From the Research
There are differences between Maalox Maximum Strength and Mylanta Maximum Strength, though they serve the same purpose as antacids, with Mylanta offering additional relief from gas symptoms due to the presence of simethicone. The key difference between the two formulations lies in their composition: Maalox Maximum Strength contains 400 mg aluminum hydroxide and 400 mg magnesium hydroxide per teaspoon, while Mylanta Maximum Strength contains 400 mg aluminum hydroxide, 400 mg magnesium hydroxide, plus 40 mg simethicone per teaspoon.
Comparison of Active Ingredients
- Aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide are used in both formulations to neutralize stomach acid and provide relief from heartburn, indigestion, and upset stomach.
- Simethicone, present in Mylanta, helps in relieving gas symptoms by breaking up gas bubbles in the digestive tract, which can provide additional relief from bloating and gas.
Clinical Evidence
Studies such as 1 have compared the effects of different antacids on esophageal and gastric pH, showing that both Maalox and Mylanta can effectively increase esophageal pH, but the addition of simethicone in Mylanta may offer benefits for patients with gas-related symptoms. However, when considering the most recent and highest quality evidence, the focus should be on the clinical outcomes related to morbidity, mortality, and quality of life.
Dosage and Administration
The typical dosage for both Maalox Maximum Strength and Mylanta Maximum Strength is 1-2 teaspoons as needed, up to 4 times daily. The choice between the two may depend on whether the patient requires relief from gas symptoms in addition to acid neutralization, in which case Mylanta might be more appropriate due to its simethicone component.
Evidence-Based Recommendation
Given the information available and prioritizing the most recent and highest quality study, Mylanta Maximum Strength may be preferred for patients who need relief from both heartburn and gas symptoms, as it contains simethicone which can help break up gas bubbles in the digestive tract, providing additional relief from bloating and gas, as supported by studies like 2 which compared the onset of action of Maalox suspension and low-dose ranitidine for heartburn.