Maalox
It is a combination of aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide.
These ingredients belong to a group of medications called antacids. It is an over the counter (OTC) drug used to relieve acid indigestion and heartburn in children 12 years of age and adults.
Note – in the United States, over 60 million people experience heartburn at least once a month.
Antacids function by binding to and neutralizing excess acid in the intestine and stomach.
This, ultimately, helps to relieve the discomfort and pain of indigestion and heartburn linked to peptic ulcers or excess stomach acid.
Uses
It can be used to relieve the signs and symptoms of:
- peptic ulcers;
- gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining);
- acid indigestion or heartburn.
Note – this medication may be used alone or with other drugs (like – proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole and H2 blockers such as ranitidine/cimetidine) which lower acid production.
However, this medication does not prevent acid production because it only works on the existing acid in the stomach.
Dosage
It is usually taken 4 times per day as required and it comes in tablets and suspension form.
Side Effects And Precautions
Common side effects may include:
- dark-colored stools;
- constipation;
- darkened or black tongue.
To make sure this is the right medication for you, ask your healthcare provider for advice before taking this medication if:
- you have ever had an allergic reaction to any type of medicine;
- you have been told by a healthcare provider that you have low levels of phosphate in the blood;
- you have any issues with the way your kidneys work;
- you are taking any prescription medicines;
- you are pregnant;
- you are breastfeeding a baby;
- you are being sick (vomiting);
- you have any of the following symptoms: weight loss, loss of blood, or difficulty swallowing.
Drug Interactions
Ask your healthcare professional if it is safe for you to use this medication if you are also using any of the following medications:
- probenecid (Benemid);
- a blood thinner, like – warfarin (Jantoven, Coumadin);
- drugs used to prevent blood clots, like – urokinase (Abbokinase), tenecteplase (TNKase), alteplase (Activase);
- oral diabetes drugs;
- salicylates, like -Trilisate, Tricosal, Pamprin Cramp Formula, Pepto-Bismol, KneeRelief, Kaopectate, Nuprin Backache Caplet, or aspirin;
- antibiotics, like – tetracycline (Brodspec, Ala-Tet, Sumycin, Panmycin, Tetracap), minocycline (Minocin, Dynacin, Solodyn), or doxycycline (Oracea, Doryx, Vibramycin, Periostat).
Important note – people who suffer from kidney disease should not take this medication unless advised to do so by a healthcare specialist.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
There are not enough well-controlled clinical studies on the safety of this medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Contact your physician prior to use.
Mylanta
It is a combination of magnesium hydroxide, aluminum hydroxide, and simethicone that is used to treat acid indigestion, heartburn, upset stomach, and bloating caused by gas.
The medication belongs to a group of drugs known as antacids, that work by neutralizing stomach acid.
Simethicone allows gas bubbles in the intestines and stomach to come together more easily, that allows for easier passage of gas. Magnesium hydroxide and aluminum hydroxide are antacids.
This medication is produced by Infirst Healthcare USA, under license from McNeil Consumer Healthcare, an American medical products company belonging to the Johnson&Johnson healthcare products group.
Uses
This medication is used to:
- treat upset stomach and heartburn;
- ease too much gas in the stomach.
Note – it works only on existing acid in the stomach, therefore, this medication does not prevent acid production.
Dosage
Take this medication by mouth 2-4 times per day as needed after meals and at bedtime. Do not take this medication within 2 hours of taking any drugs for diabetes, heart disease, epilepsy, or hypertension.
Side Effects And Precautions
Common side effects may include:
- hives;
- diarrhea;
- oral yeast infection (thrush);
- vomiting;
- hairy tongue;
- rash;
- fever;
- swollen or infected tongue;
- nausea.
Rare side effects may include:
- seizures;
- high levels of eosinophils (a variety of white blood cells);
- low white blood cell count;
- a low platelet count;
- erythema multiforme (Stevens-Johnson syndrome), a rare, serious disorder of the skin and mucous membranes;
- an immediate or delayed hypersensitivity reaction;
- anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction.
You should not take this medication if:
- you are restricting fluids;
- you are dehydrated;
- you are bleeding from the stomach;
- you have kidney disease;
- you have a hole in the intestines;
- you have a blockage in the intestines or stomach;
- you have had an ileostomy or colostomy;
- you are allergic to any of the ingredients in this drug.
Alcohol
Avoid alcoholic drinks while taking this antiflatulent.
Maalox vs Mylanta – DIfferences
Maalox (active ingredients – aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide) works to neutralize stomach acid. Also, it is used to relieve symptoms of extra gas, like – bloating, belching, and feelings of discomfort in the stomach.
Mylanta (active ingredients – magnesium hydroxide, aluminum hydroxide, and simethicone) belongs to a group of medications called antiflatulents. It is used to treat the symptoms of too much stomach acid, like – heartburn, stomach upset, and acid indigestion.
7 Ways to Reduce Stomach Acid Naturally
#1 Healthy Sleeping Patterns
According to studies, having a poor night’s sleep increases digestive disorders symptoms the next day, that in turn worsen sleep quality.
#2 Avoid Smoking Tabacco & Drinking Alcohol
Drinking alcoholic beverages excessively and smoking tobacco can make bloating, acid reflux, flatulence, and heartburn worse.
#3 Ginger
It has been used in natural medicine for centuries and is considered by some a cure-all herb due to its capacity to improve numerous types of conditions.
Ginger can be taken in a smoothie to help calm stomach acid (which can create a variety of digestive problems).
#4 Aloe Vera
It is available as a living plant, however, the leaves are occasionally sold separately in health-food stores and groceries.
Aloe vera is an effective natural healing agent, plus, it seems to treat acid reflux.
#5 Fennel Tea
It is considered very useful to help bloating and indigestion due to the oils found in these seeds.
#6 Oatmeal
Oatmeal offers potential benefits for blood sugar management, heart health, weight control, and youthful skin.
Additionally, the soluble fiber in oatmeal has been shown to decrease LDL cholesterol by 15 percent, especially when consumed as part of a low-fat diet.
However, the biggest benefit of consuming oatmeal is that it doesn’t need as much stomach acid to digest since it is already soft and gooey.
#7 Folate-Rich Foods
Higher folate (also known as vitamin B9) intake was found to reduce acid reflux by approximately 40%.
Foods rich in folate include:
- peanuts;
- sunflower seeds;
- lentils;
- chickpeas;
- red kidney beans;
- walnuts;
- almonds;
- broccoli;
- cabbage;
- radishes;
- flax seeds;
- asparagus;
- tomatoes.
References https://www.drugs.com/mtm/maalox-plus.html https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10071982 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3894494 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10099040