Brand name:

Mylanta Liquid

Pronounced: my-LAN-tuh

Generic ingredients: Aluminum hydroxide, Magnesium hydroxide, Simethicone

Other brand names: Maalox Liquid

What this drug is used for

These liquids relieve acid indigestion, heartburn, and sour stomach, as well as gas from these conditions. You can also use Mylanta liquid to control excess acid associated with an ulcer, stomach inflammation, inflammation of the food canal (the esophagus), or a weakened stomach diaphragm (a hiatal hernia), and to relieve gas after surgery.

How should you take this medication?

* MYLANTA
Shake well before using. The usual dose is 2 to 4 teaspoonfuls between meals and at bedtime. Unless directed by your doctor, do not take more than 24 teaspoonfuls of regular Mylanta liquid or 12 teaspoonfuls of Maximum-Strength Mylanta liquid each 24 hours.

* MAALOX
The usual dose is 2 to 4 teaspoonfuls 4 times a day. Unless directed by your doctor, do not take more than 16 teaspoonfuls of regular Maalox liquid or 12 teaspoonfuls of Maalox Max liquid each 24 hours.

Do not take this medication if...

Avoid these products if you have kidney disease.

Special warnings about this medication

Do not use the maximum dose for more than 2 weeks. Prolonged use of aluminum antacids can lead to loss of appetite, a general feeling of uneasiness, muscle weakness, and softened bones.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking this medication

Antacids interact with a variety of prescription drugs when taken at the same time. An interaction is unlikely, however, if you keep doses of the two at least 2 or 3 hours apart. Drugs that may interact include the following:

Alendronate (Fosamax)
Allopurinol (Zyloprim)
Antibiotics classified as "quinolones," such as Cipro, Floxin, and Noroxin
Aspirin
Atenolol (Tenormin)
Captopril (Capoten)
Chlordiazepoxide (Librium)
Cimetidine (Tagamet)
Digoxin (Lanoxin)
Doxycycline (Vibramycin)
Fosfomycin (Monurol)
Gabapentin (Neurontin)
Glipizide (Glucotrol)
Glyburide (Micronase, DiaBeta)
Isoniazid (Rifamate)
Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
Levothyroxine (Synthroid)
Methenamine (Urised)
Metronidazole (Flagyl)
Misoprostol (Cytotec)
Mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept)
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Dolobid, Motrin, Naprosyn, and Voltaren
Penicillamine (Cuprimine)
Phenytoin (Dilantin)
Quinidine (Quinidex)
Sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate)
Sucralfate (Carafate)
Tetracycline antibiotics such as Achromycin V and Minocin
Tilodronate (Skelid)
Ursodiol (Actigall)

A high-protein meal, such as a steak dinner, can reduce the effectiveness of aluminum-containing antacids such as Mylanta and Maalox.