Mylanta Safety in Pregnancy
Mylanta (aluminum hydroxide and magnesium-containing antacid) is safe for use during pregnancy, with recent evidence demonstrating no absorption of aluminum and only normal magnesium levels in healthy women, making it an appropriate choice for managing gastroesophageal reflux symptoms in pregnant patients. 1
Evidence for Safety
The most recent and highest quality evidence comes from a 2024 controlled study that directly measured aluminum and magnesium absorption in healthy women after administration of magaldrate (an aluminum-magnesium antacid similar to Mylanta). This study found:
- No detectable aluminum absorption in any blood samples up to 12 hours post-administration 1
- Magnesium remained at normal physiologic concentrations with no evidence of excessive absorption 1
- The authors explicitly concluded this antacid is safe without risk in healthy women, including pregnant women 1
Clinical Context
Antacids are commonly used and approved for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptom relief during pregnancy 1. The lack of systemic absorption of aluminum is particularly reassuring, as this addresses historical theoretical concerns about aluminum exposure during pregnancy.
Important Considerations
Drug interactions to monitor:
- Aluminum and magnesium-containing antacids can interact with macrolide antibiotics (erythromycin, azithromycin) if used concurrently 2
- Antacids may affect absorption of other medications, so timing of administration should be separated by 2-3 hours when possible
When prescribing:
- Weigh the benefits of treating maternal GERD symptoms against any theoretical risks, though current evidence strongly favors safety 3
- Most medications used during pregnancy have limited safety data, but antacids represent one category with reassuring evidence 4, 5
Practical Prescribing
Use Mylanta as needed for symptomatic relief of heartburn and acid reflux during pregnancy. The 2024 absorption study provides the strongest evidence to date that systemic exposure to aluminum is negligible, eliminating previous theoretical concerns about fetal exposure 1.