What is better than Mylanta?: A Guide to Antacid Alternatives

October 12, 2025 •

5 min read

According to the FDA, millions of Americans experience heartburn, and while Mylanta is a common solution, it may not be the most effective choice for everyone. Understanding what is better than Mylanta? involves assessing your specific symptoms, the required speed of relief, and the underlying cause of your acid indigestion.

Quick Summary

This guide reviews various over-the-counter alternatives for treating heartburn, indigestion, and gas, including faster-acting antacids, longer-lasting acid reducers like H2 blockers and PPIs, and natural home remedies. Options are evaluated based on their mechanism, speed, and duration of action.

Key Points

Symptom-Specific Solutions: For different types of indigestion, alternatives like faster-acting antacids, longer-lasting H2 blockers, or powerful PPIs may be better than Mylanta depending on your specific symptoms.
Antacids for Fast Relief: Medications like Tums (calcium carbonate) or Rolaids (calcium carbonate/magnesium hydroxide) offer very fast relief for occasional heartburn, similar to Mylanta, but may have different side effects.
H2 Blockers for Longer Relief: H2 blockers such as Famotidine (Pepcid AC) provide relief for up to 12 hours by reducing acid production, making them ideal for frequent heartburn or nighttime symptoms.
PPIs for Frequent Heartburn: For persistent, frequent heartburn (2+ days/week), Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) like Omeprazole (Prilosec OTC) block acid production for a full 24 hours, though they take a few days to reach full effect.
Consider Gas Relief Needs: If gas is the main issue, a standalone simethicone product like Gas-X may be a more targeted option than Mylanta, which combines antacids with gas relief.
Lifestyle Changes are Key: Natural strategies such as dietary modifications, eating smaller meals, and avoiding triggers can significantly improve symptoms alongside or instead of medication.

Understanding Mylanta: Fast-Acting but Short-Lived

Mylanta is an antacid that provides relief by neutralizing stomach acid and, in some formulations, includes an anti-gas agent called simethicone. Its active ingredients, aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide, work quickly to calm symptoms of heartburn, indigestion, and bloating. However, the relief is relatively short-lived, typically lasting only about an hour. This makes it an excellent option for occasional, immediate symptom relief but less suitable for individuals with frequent or chronic heartburn. While the combination of aluminum (potentially constipating) and magnesium (potentially causing diarrhea) is intended to balance side effects, its liquid format can be less convenient for some users than chewable tablets or capsules.

Alternatives for Immediate, Short-Term Relief

For those seeking alternatives to Mylanta that offer quick symptom relief, there are several options available over-the-counter. The best choice often depends on whether you also experience gas, need to avoid certain minerals, or prefer a different format.

Other Antacids

Tums (Calcium Carbonate): An effective and fast-acting antacid that contains only calcium carbonate. This is ideal if your primary symptom is heartburn and you do not need gas relief. However, it can cause constipation and may not be suitable for people on a low-calcium diet or with certain kidney problems.
Rolaids (Calcium Carbonate + Magnesium Hydroxide): Rolaids combines calcium carbonate with magnesium hydroxide, similar to the base antacid component of Mylanta, to provide fast relief. The magnesium helps to counteract the constipating effect of the calcium, and it is available in chewable tablets for convenience.
Gaviscon (Alginates): This medication works differently by creating a protective foam barrier that floats on top of the stomach contents. This barrier helps prevent stomach acid from splashing up into the esophagus and causing reflux. It is available in both liquid and chewable tablet forms.

Anti-Gas Products

For bloating and trapped gas specifically, a product containing only simethicone may be more targeted than Mylanta. Simethicone, the active ingredient in Gas-X, works by breaking down gas bubbles, making them easier to pass. Many Mylanta formulations contain simethicone, but for gas-dominant issues, a standalone product might be preferred.

Alternatives for Longer-Lasting Relief

For those who suffer from frequent heartburn or need more than just a quick fix, longer-acting medications are available. These acid reducers work by curbing the stomach's acid production, offering prolonged relief.

H2 Blockers

H2 blockers, or Histamine-2 antagonists, are a class of medication that reduces the amount of acid produced by the stomach. Popular over-the-counter options include:

Famotidine (Pepcid AC): This H2 blocker takes longer to start working than Mylanta (around 15-30 minutes), but its effects last for several hours, often up to 12 hours. It is particularly useful for controlling nighttime heartburn.
Cimetidine (Tagamet HB): Another H2 blocker that works similarly to famotidine by reducing stomach acid production.

Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)

PPIs are the most powerful over-the-counter acid reducers available. They work by blocking the 'proton pumps' in the stomach that produce acid.

Omeprazole (Prilosec OTC), Esomeprazole (Nexium 24HR), and Lansoprazole (Prevacid 24HR): These are intended for frequent heartburn (two or more times per week) and are taken once daily. While it may take 1 to 4 days for the full effect to be felt, a single dose provides 24-hour relief. It's important to note that OTC PPIs are intended for a 14-day course of treatment, no more than three times per year, unless advised by a doctor.

Natural and Lifestyle-Based Strategies

In addition to pharmacological options, several non-medicinal approaches can help manage symptoms of indigestion and heartburn.

Dietary Adjustments: Eating smaller, more frequent meals can reduce pressure on the stomach. Avoiding trigger foods such as spicy foods, fatty meals, and acidic foods (citrus, tomatoes) is also beneficial.
Ginger: Ginger root has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that can help ease digestive issues and nausea. It can be consumed as a tea or added to meals.
Peppermint: Peppermint can help relax muscles in the digestive tract, which may relieve cramps and bloating, but it can also worsen reflux for some individuals by relaxing the lower esophageal sphincter. Peppermint tea is a common preparation.
Elevate Your Head: Sleeping with your head elevated can help gravity keep stomach acid down, especially for nighttime heartburn.

Comparison of Mylanta and Alternatives


Feature	Mylanta (Aluminum Hydroxide/Magnesium Hydroxide/Simethicone)	Tums (Calcium Carbonate)	Pepcid AC (Famotidine)	Prilosec OTC (Omeprazole)
Mechanism	Neutralizes existing stomach acid; Simethicone reduces gas.	Neutralizes existing stomach acid.	Reduces future stomach acid production.	Blocks stomach acid production.
Speed of Relief	Fast (within minutes).	Very fast (within minutes).	Slower (15-30 minutes).	Slow (full effect in 1-4 days).
Duration of Action	Short-lived (approx. 1 hour).	Short-lived (approx. 1 hour).	Long-lasting (up to 12 hours).	Very long-lasting (24 hours).
Best For	Immediate relief of heartburn, indigestion, and gas.	Immediate, occasional heartburn relief.	Mild but frequent heartburn; nighttime symptoms.	Frequent, persistent heartburn (≥2x/week).
Common Side Effects	Diarrhea or constipation.	Constipation, gas, bloating.	Headaches, dizziness.	Headaches, diarrhea, nausea.
Important Note	Not for long-term use; may interact with other medications.	Avoid if advised to restrict calcium intake.	Body can adapt over time, reducing effectiveness.	OTC version is a 14-day course; not for immediate relief.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Option

Ultimately, the question of what is better than Mylanta? depends on your individual needs and the nature of your digestive discomfort. If you experience occasional heartburn with bloating and seek immediate, short-term relief, Mylanta or another combination antacid might be sufficient. However, for those with frequent symptoms, a longer-term solution may be necessary.

H2 blockers like Pepcid AC offer a balance between speed and duration, providing relief for several hours and being effective for recurring issues. For persistent or severe heartburn that occurs two or more days a week, a Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) like Prilosec OTC is a more powerful and longer-lasting option. The trade-off is a slower onset of action. Additionally, combining medication with lifestyle changes, such as modifying your diet and eating habits, can significantly improve outcomes. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting a new medication, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other drugs, to ensure the safest and most effective course of treatment. The Mayo Clinic offers comprehensive information on various heartburn treatments.

Resources

For more detailed information on treating heartburn and acid reflux, you can visit authoritative sources such as the Mayo Clinic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mylanta contains a combination of aluminum and magnesium hydroxide to neutralize acid, plus simethicone for gas relief, and is usually a liquid. Tums primarily contains calcium carbonate, which neutralizes acid quickly, is available as a chewable tablet, and may cause constipation.

For nighttime heartburn, H2 blockers like Pepcid AC (famotidine) are often better than Mylanta. H2 blockers take a little longer to work but provide longer-lasting relief (up to 12 hours), helping to prevent heartburn throughout the night.

Yes, if you experience frequent heartburn (two or more times a week), a Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) such as Prilosec OTC is typically considered better. While Mylanta offers immediate, temporary relief, PPIs treat the root cause by blocking acid production for 24 hours when taken daily.

Natural remedies like drinking ginger tea, eating smaller meals, or avoiding trigger foods can be effective for managing mild symptoms. They can be used alongside medication or as a first step for symptom management, but may not be sufficient for more severe or frequent issues.

If bloating and gas are your primary concerns, a product containing only simethicone, like Gas-X, might be more effective. Simethicone works specifically to break down gas bubbles, whereas Mylanta combines this with antacids.

Antacids like Mylanta and Tums are typically for short-term, occasional use. OTC H2 blockers can be used for several weeks, while OTC PPIs are limited to a 14-day course. For any long-term or chronic symptoms, consulting a healthcare provider is essential.

Yes, people with kidney disease should be cautious with antacids containing magnesium (like Mylanta) or calcium. They should consult a doctor before taking any antacid and may be advised to use alternative treatments or specific formulas.