Mylanta Use in 14-Year-Olds
Mylanta (aluminum hydroxide/magnesium hydroxide/simethicone) can be safely used in 14-year-olds for symptomatic relief of heartburn, acid indigestion, and gas, as this age group falls within the pediatric dosing guidelines for calcium-containing antacids.
Age-Appropriate Dosing
Children aged 14 years can receive adult-equivalent dosing of calcium-containing antacids, as pediatric guidelines typically define adult dosing as beginning at 15 years of age, with children weighing more than 40 kg dosed as adults 1.
For calcium carbonate formulations (which include Children's Mylanta), the standard dose contains 400 mg calcium carbonate providing 160 mg elemental calcium 1.
Adolescents at age 14 should not exceed 2,500 mg/day of total dietary and supplemental calcium intake, which represents approximately 2 times the Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) for this age group 1.
Clinical Efficacy Evidence
Mylanta formulations have demonstrated faster onset of action compared to calcium carbonate alone in controlling esophageal pH, with aluminum/magnesium hydroxide combinations showing superior duration of action (82 minutes vs 60 minutes for calcium carbonate) 2.
The aluminum/magnesium hydroxide formulation (Mylanta Double-Strength) significantly increased both esophageal and gastric pH compared to placebo, while calcium carbonate preparations may cause acid rebound in the stomach 2.
Mylanta Lemon Twist and Mylanta Cherry Crème were rated as the most palatable antacid formulations in comparative studies, which is particularly relevant for adolescent compliance 3.
Important Caveats and Monitoring
Avoid calcium citrate formulations in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) due to enhanced aluminum absorption risk 1.
Calcium-containing antacids should be taken with meals when used as phosphate binders, but for symptomatic relief of heartburn, they should be taken 1 hour after meals for optimal effect 1.
Do not use antacids as treatment for chronic cough (>4 weeks duration) in children aged ≤14 years without gastrointestinal symptoms such as recurrent regurgitation or heartburn 1.
For children with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms, acid suppressive therapy should not be used solely for chronic cough; treatment should follow evidence-based GERD-specific guidelines 1.
Drug Interactions
Concomitant administration of aluminum/magnesium hydroxide antacids can reduce peak concentrations (Cmax) of certain medications by 22-43%, though total drug exposure (AUC) may only decrease by approximately 11% 4.
Separate antacid administration from other medications by at least 2 hours to minimize potential absorption interactions 4.