The Laxative Effect Of Mylanta: Friend Or Foe?

does mylanta have a laxative effect

Mylanta is an over-the-counter medication used to treat symptoms of heartburn, acid reflux, indigestion, stomach upset, and gas. It contains aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, and simethicone, which work together to reduce acid in the stomach and relieve gas. While Mylanta can cause constipation due to its aluminum content, it does not have a laxative effect. In fact, the magnesium in Mylanta can cause diarrhea, and the product is known to have a laxative effect in some people.

Characteristics Values
Generic Name Alum-Mag Hydroxide-Simeth
Brand Names Mylanta, Di-Gel Liquid, Alamag Plus, Aldroxicon I, Aldroxicon II, Almacone, Almacone-2, Flanax Antacid Liquid, Gelusil, Maalox, Maalox Advanced Maximum Strength, Maalox Advanced Regular Strength, Mag-al Plus, Mi-Acid, Mi-Acid II, Milantex, Mintox, Mintox Maximum Strength, Mintox Plus, Mylanta Maximum Strength, Mylanta Maximum Strength Cherry, Rulox
Uses Treats symptoms of too much stomach acid, such as stomach upset, heartburn, acid indigestion, and gas
Side Effects Nausea, constipation, diarrhea, headache, hypophosphatemia, hypermagnesemia, and more
Drug Interactions Digoxin, iron, pazopanib, tetracycline antibiotics, quinolone antibiotics (e.g. ciprofloxacin), and more
Dosage Forms Oral suspension, chewable tablets

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Mylanta's ingredients and their effects

Mylanta is a nonprescription brand of antacid used to treat symptoms of heartburn, acid reflux, indigestion, and stomach upset. It is available in several formulations, which may include the following ingredients:

  • Aluminum hydroxide
  • Magnesium hydroxide
  • Calcium carbonate
  • Simethicone

Aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide are antacids that work by reducing acid in the stomach. Calcium carbonate is also used for this purpose in some formulations. These ingredients can cause constipation and diarrhoea, respectively, if taken in high doses. However, when used in equal amounts in Mylanta, their constipating/laxative effects are designed to cancel each other out.

Simethicone is an anti-gas agent that helps to treat intestinal gas by reducing the surface tension of gas bubbles in the gut, allowing them to merge into larger bubbles that can be easily expelled.

Mylanta products may also include inactive ingredients such as benzyl alcohol, carboxymethylcellulose sodium, glycerin, microcrystalline cellulose, purified water, sodium carbonate, sorbitol, sucralose, and xanthan gum.

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Mylanta's use cases

Mylanta is a non-prescription brand of antacid that is used to treat symptoms of heartburn, acid reflux, indigestion, and stomach upset. It is available in several formulations, which may contain aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, or calcium carbonate. These ingredients work by reducing acid in the stomach. Mylanta gas preparations contain simethicone, which can be helpful in treating intestinal gas.

Mylanta antacids may be used to treat symptoms caused by gastrointestinal conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The product line has changed over the years, so it is important to read the product labelling and instructions carefully.

Mylanta Maximum Strength Liquid Antacid/Anti-Gas is one of the most popular formulations. It contains aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, and simethicone, and it is used for heartburn, acid indigestion, and gas. It comes in several flavours, including classic (lemon mint) and vanilla caramel.

Mylanta Tonight Liquid Antacid/Anti-Gas is another option. This formulation contains calcium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide, and simethicone. It is made in a honey chamomile flavour and does not produce drowsiness. It is also used for heartburn, acid indigestion, and gas.

Mylanta Gas Minis are chewable tablets in fruit or mint flavours with the active ingredient simethicone. They are used to relieve gas.

Mylanta is designed for short-term control of minor symptoms. It should not be taken for more than one to two weeks unless prescribed by a healthcare provider. It may interfere with certain medications, so it is important to consult with a healthcare provider or pharmacist before use.

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Mylanta's side effects

Mylanta is a non-prescription brand of antacid used to treat symptoms of heartburn, acid reflux, indigestion, and stomach upset. It is a combination of aluminium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, and simethicone. The aluminium hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide neutralise stomach acid, while simethicone, an antiflatulent, aids in the easier passage of gas.

Mylanta is considered safe for most people, but as with any medication, side effects may occur. The most common side effects of Mylanta include nausea, constipation, and diarrhoea. These are typically mild and can be managed by adjusting the dosage or taking the medication with food. However, it's important to note that the aluminium in Mylanta can cause constipation, and the magnesium can cause diarrhoea.

In rare cases, more severe side effects may occur. These include bone pain, muscle weakness, confusion, changes in mental state, seizures, pale skin, lightheadedness, and rapid heart rate. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop taking Mylanta and seek medical attention immediately.

Additionally, Mylanta may interfere with certain medications, particularly antibiotics. It is important to speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Mylanta if you are already taking any other medications.

It is also important to note that Mylanta is intended for short-term use only and should not be taken for more than one to two weeks unless directed by a healthcare professional.

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Mylanta's drug interactions

Mylanta is an over-the-counter antacid medication used to treat symptoms of heartburn, acid reflux, indigestion, stomach upset, and intestinal gas. It contains aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, and simethicone as active ingredients.

Mylanta may interact with several medications, including:

  • Digoxin
  • Iron
  • Pazopanib
  • Tetracycline antibiotics (e.g. ciprofloxacin)
  • Quinolone antibiotics
  • Phosphate supplements (e.g. potassium phosphate)
  • Sodium polystyrene sulfonate
  • Aspirin
  • Lanoxin (digoxin)
  • Valium (diazepam)
  • Diflucan (fluconazole)
  • Didronel (etidronate)
  • Dilantin (phenytoin)
  • Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin)
  • Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
  • Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol)

It is important to consult a doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medications or supplements to ensure that they will not interact with Mylanta.

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Mylanta's dosage and administration

Mylanta is available in several forms, including liquids, chewable tablets, gel caps, and chewable soft gels. The dosage and administration of Mylanta vary depending on the form.

Liquids

Mylanta liquids should be shaken well before each use to ensure the medicine is evenly mixed. The chalky taste can be reduced by mixing the liquid with water or milk. The product comes with a dosing cup that should be cleaned with warm water and mild dish soap after each use. The recommended dosage is 10-20 mL (2-4 teaspoons) as needed or as directed by a doctor, not exceeding 60 mL (12 teaspoons) in a 24-hour period.

Chewable Tablets

The chewable tablets should be chewed slowly and thoroughly before swallowing, as they are less effective if swallowed whole. After taking the tablets, drink a full glass of water (8 ounces or 240 milliliters).

Mylanta ONE Chewable Tablets

Mylanta ONE tablets are taken as 1 tablet, as needed or as directed by a doctor, not exceeding 6 tablets in a 24-hour period.

Mylanta Gas Minis Chewable Tablets

Mylanta Gas Minis are taken as 3-6 mini tablets for adults and 1-2 mini tablets for children aged 12 and older, after meals or at bedtime.

In general, Mylanta should be taken after meals and at bedtime, as needed, or as directed by a doctor. It should not be taken for more than one to two weeks unless prescribed by a healthcare provider. It is designed for short-term relief of minor symptoms.

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