Is Mylanta good for gastritis relief or just a temporary fix?

October 12, 2025 •

4 min read

Over 40% of people in Germany have the H. pylori bacterium, one of the most common causes of gastritis, though not all develop symptoms. When managing the abdominal discomfort and heartburn associated with an inflamed stomach lining, many turn to over-the-counter remedies, but is Mylanta good for gastritis or just a quick-fix solution?

Quick Summary

Mylanta offers rapid, temporary relief for gastritis symptoms like heartburn and indigestion by neutralizing stomach acid. It does not cure the underlying inflammation and is not a substitute for addressing the root cause. Long-term use can lead to side effects like diarrhea or constipation and is not recommended without medical supervision.

Key Points

Symptomatic Relief Only: Mylanta provides rapid, temporary relief for gastritis symptoms like heartburn and indigestion by neutralizing stomach acid.
Does Not Cure Gastritis: It does not address the root cause of the inflammation, which could be an infection (H. pylori), NSAID use, or other issues.
Potential Side Effects: Common side effects include diarrhea (from magnesium) and constipation (from aluminum).
Long-Term Use Not Recommended: Frequent, long-term use can mask underlying issues and is not advised without a doctor's supervision.
Alternative Treatments Exist: For long-term management, physicians may prescribe stronger medications like Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) or H2 blockers to reduce acid production.
Dietary and Lifestyle Changes are Crucial: Avoiding trigger foods (spicy, fatty), alcohol, and large meals is vital for managing gastritis symptoms.
Consult a Doctor for Diagnosis: If symptoms persist for more than two weeks or are severe, a medical evaluation is necessary to determine the cause and proper treatment.

What is Mylanta and how does it work?

Mylanta is an over-the-counter antacid and anti-gas medication designed to provide fast relief from various digestive issues. The effectiveness of Mylanta for gastritis symptoms stems from its active ingredients, which typically include aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, and simethicone.

Aluminum Hydroxide and Magnesium Hydroxide: These compounds act as antacids, neutralizing excess hydrochloric acid in the stomach. Aluminum hydroxide can contribute to constipation, while magnesium hydroxide can cause diarrhea. The combination of the two is intended to balance these opposing side effects.
Simethicone: This ingredient is an anti-foaming agent that helps break up gas bubbles in the gastrointestinal tract, providing relief from bloating and pressure.

By neutralizing existing stomach acid, Mylanta provides quick and noticeable relief from symptoms like heartburn and acid indigestion. However, it's crucial to understand that this effect is temporary, typically lasting only a few hours.

Gastritis: Causes, Symptoms, and the Need for a Cure

Gastritis refers to the inflammation of the stomach lining. This condition can be acute (occurring suddenly) or chronic (lasting for years) and is caused by several factors, which is why treatment must be tailored to the specific cause.

Common causes of gastritis include:

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection: A common bacterium that can infect the stomach lining.
Regular use of NSAIDs: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen can damage the stomach's protective lining.
Excessive alcohol consumption: Alcohol can irritate and erode the stomach lining.
Stress: Severe illness, injury, or major surgery can trigger acute gastritis.
Autoimmune disorders: The body's immune system mistakenly attacks the stomach lining.

Symptoms often associated with gastritis are:

Upper abdominal pain or discomfort
Nausea and/or vomiting
Loss of appetite
Feeling of fullness or bloating
Indigestion or heartburn

Mylanta as a Symptom Reliever, Not a Cure

While Mylanta can be effective for providing rapid symptom relief, it is essential to distinguish between addressing symptoms and curing the underlying condition. For gastritis, Mylanta's role is strictly symptomatic relief, not long-term treatment.

What Mylanta treats: The antacids in Mylanta can alleviate the heartburn and upset stomach that often accompany gastritis. The simethicone can help with gas and bloating.
What Mylanta doesn't treat: Mylanta does not address the root cause of the gastritis. It won't eradicate an H. pylori infection, reverse damage from NSAIDs, or heal the inflamed stomach lining. For causes like H. pylori, a combination of antibiotics is required, often with a proton pump inhibitor (PPI).

Taking Mylanta regularly for an extended period without a proper diagnosis can mask the symptoms of more serious underlying issues, potentially delaying necessary treatment. If you find yourself relying on Mylanta frequently, it's time to consult a healthcare provider.

Comparison of Mylanta with Other Gastritis Medications


Feature	Mylanta (Antacid)	PPIs (e.g., Omeprazole)	H2 Blockers (e.g., Famotidine)
Mechanism of Action	Neutralizes existing stomach acid.	Blocks stomach acid production.	Reduces the amount of stomach acid released.
Onset of Action	Fast (minutes).	Slower (hours to days).	Slower than antacids (hours).
Duration of Effect	Short-acting (approx. 1 hour).	Long-acting (up to 24 hours).	Intermediate (several hours).
Primary Use	Rapid, temporary relief of heartburn and indigestion.	Healing the inflamed stomach lining and long-term acid suppression.	Reducing acid production for sustained symptom relief.
Treatment of Cause?	No, only addresses symptoms.	Promotes healing, used with antibiotics for H. pylori.	Encourages healing by reducing acid.

Lifestyle and Dietary Management for Gastritis

In addition to medication, lifestyle and dietary changes are a cornerstone of managing gastritis. These changes aim to reduce irritation to the stomach lining and aid healing.

Foods to prioritize:

High-fiber foods: Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts.
Lean proteins: Chicken, fish, tofu.
Healthy fats: Avocados, olive oil.
Probiotic-rich foods: Yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut.
Non-acidic options: Bananas, melons, herbal teas.

Foods and habits to avoid:

Spicy and fried foods.
Alcohol and excessive caffeine.
Large meals, especially close to bedtime.
NSAIDs (consult your doctor about alternatives like acetaminophen).

Potential Side Effects and Safety Considerations

While generally safe for short-term, occasional use, Mylanta can cause side effects and is not suitable for everyone.

Gastrointestinal Effects: Mylanta can cause constipation (due to aluminum) and/or diarrhea (due to magnesium). Some products are formulated to balance these effects, but they can still occur.
Kidney Issues: Individuals with kidney problems should use Mylanta with caution, as they may be at risk for high magnesium or aluminum levels, which can lead to serious complications.
Drug Interactions: Mylanta can affect the absorption of other medications. A gap of at least 2 hours is typically recommended between taking Mylanta and other drugs.
Long-Term Use: Consistent reliance on Mylanta is discouraged. If symptoms persist for more than two weeks, a medical evaluation is necessary to determine and treat the underlying cause.

Conclusion: Mylanta's Role in Gastritis Management

In conclusion, Mylanta is a useful tool for rapid, temporary relief of gastritis symptoms such as heartburn and indigestion. However, it is not a cure and does not address the underlying cause of stomach inflammation. For persistent or severe gastritis, seeking a medical diagnosis is crucial to ensure appropriate treatment, which may involve PPIs, H2 blockers, or antibiotics, depending on the cause. Alongside temporary medication like Mylanta, adopting supportive lifestyle and dietary changes is vital for managing symptoms and promoting healing. Always consult a healthcare professional for guidance on the best treatment plan for your specific condition.

For more information on gastritis and its management, a good resource is the Mayo Clinic's detailed guide on the topic.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Mylanta cannot cure gastritis. It is an antacid that provides temporary relief from symptoms like heartburn and indigestion by neutralizing stomach acid but does not address the underlying cause of the inflammation.

Mylanta's antacid effect is relatively short-acting. It typically provides rapid relief within minutes, but the effect lasts only for about an hour.

Yes, common side effects can include diarrhea from the magnesium content and constipation from the aluminum content. Some formulations are balanced to reduce these effects, but they can still occur.

Individuals with kidney problems should consult a doctor before taking Mylanta. They are at a higher risk of aluminum or magnesium accumulation in the body, which can lead to serious health issues.

Mylanta is a fast-acting antacid for temporary symptom relief. PPIs (Proton Pump Inhibitors), such as omeprazole, work more slowly but provide longer-lasting acid reduction and are used for healing the stomach lining and long-term management of gastritis.

If your symptoms persist for more than two weeks or worsen despite using Mylanta, you should see a healthcare provider. A proper diagnosis is necessary to treat the root cause of the gastritis.

Mylanta can interfere with the absorption of other medications. It is generally recommended to leave a gap of at least two hours between taking Mylanta and other drugs. Always check with a doctor or pharmacist.