Mylanta
Encyclopedia
Mylanta is an over the counter antacid
Antacid
An antacid is a substance which neutralizes stomach acidity.-Mechanism of action:Antacids perform a neutralization reaction, increasing the pH to reduce acidity in the stomach. When gastric hydrochloric acid reaches the nerves in the gastrointestinal mucosa, they signal pain to the central nervous...

 medication used for the treatment of acid reflux, heartburn
Heartburn
Heartburn, also known as pyrosis or acid indigestion is a burning sensation in the chest, just behind the breastbone or in the epigastrium...

, and gastroesophageal reflux disease
Gastroesophageal reflux disease
Gastroesophageal reflux disease , gastro-oesophageal reflux disease , gastric reflux disease, or acid reflux disease is chronic symptoms or mucosal damage caused by stomach acid coming up from the stomach into the esophagus...

 (also known as GERD).

Ingredients

Regular Strength Mylanta (original flavor, liquid consistency) contains the following active ingredients per 5ml:


Aluminium hydroxide
Aluminium hydroxide
Aluminium hydroxide, Al3, ATH, sometimes erroneously called Hydrate of alumina, is found in nature as the mineral gibbsite and its three, much more rare forms, polymorphs: bayerite, doyleite and nordstrandite. Closely related are aluminium oxide hydroxide, AlO, and aluminium oxide, Al2O3,...

 – 200mg

Magnesium Hydroxide – 200mg

Simethicone
Simethicone
Simethicone is an oral anti-foaming agent used to reduce bloating, discomfort and pain caused by excess gas in the stomach or intestinal tract. It is a mixture of polydimethylsiloxane and silica gel.-Chemical action and pharmaceutical effects:...

 – 20mg



Other (non-active) ingredients include:
Butylparaben
Butylparaben
Butylparaben, or butyl paraben, is a member of the paraben family, which has the formula C4H9. It is used as an antimicrobial preservative in cosmetics such as eye shadow, foundation, sunscreen, facial moisturizer and skin anti-aging treatment. It is also used in medication suspensions, and as a...

, carboxymethylcellulose sodium, flavors, hypromellose, microcrystalline cellulose, propylparaben, purified water, sorbitol
Sorbitol
Sorbitol, also known as glucitol, Sorbogem® and Sorbo®, is a sugar alcohol that the human body metabolizes slowly. It can be obtained by reduction of glucose, changing the aldehyde group to a hydroxyl group. Sorbitol is found in apples, pears, peaches, and prunes...

.

Treatment Uses and Directions

Mylanta is used for the treatment of heartburn, acid indigestion, dyspepsia
Dyspepsia
Dyspepsia , also known as upset stomach or indigestion, refers to a condition of impaired digestion. It is a medical condition characterized by chronic or recurrent pain in the upper abdomen, upper abdominal fullness and feeling full earlier than expected when eating...

, bloating
Bloating
Bloating is any abnormal general swelling, or increase in diameter of the abdominal area. As a symptom, the patient feels a full and tight abdomen, which may cause abdominal pain sometimes accompanied by increased borborygmus or more seriously the total lack of borborygmus.-Symptoms:The most common...

, gas, acid reflux, and GERD. Mylanta should not be taken by individuals under the age of 12 unless recommended by a doctor
Physician
A physician is a health care provider who practices the profession of medicine, which is concerned with promoting, maintaining or restoring human health through the study, diagnosis, and treatment of disease, injury and other physical and mental impairments...

. Individuals 12 and older should take between two to four 5ml spoonfuls at the onset of symptoms. Ideally, Mylanta should be taken between meals or just before bed. Administer doses every four to six hours but do not exceed 24 doses in a 24 hours period.
Pregnant women should consult doctor before taking Mylanta.

Warning and Side Effects

Although Mylanta usually does not produce serious side effects in most individuals, there are possible side effects to be aware of. Mylanta should not be taken by individuals who have existing kidney issues. Prolonged or excessive use of Mylanta can result in damage to the kidneys, decreased levels of phosphate in the body, dizziness
Dizziness
Dizziness refers to an impairment in spatial perception and stability. The term is somewhat imprecise. It can be used to mean vertigo, presyncope, disequilibrium, or a non-specific feeling such as giddiness or foolishness....

, and fainting spells. Less serious side effects of Mylanta include nausea, constipation, diarrhea, and headaches . The development of a rash, swelling or itchiness that affects the mouth
Mouth
The mouth is the first portion of the alimentary canal that receives food andsaliva. The oral mucosa is the mucous membrane epithelium lining the inside of the mouth....

, tongue
Tongue
The tongue is a muscular hydrostat on the floors of the mouths of most vertebrates which manipulates food for mastication. It is the primary organ of taste , as much of the upper surface of the tongue is covered in papillae and taste buds. It is sensitive and kept moist by saliva, and is richly...

, throat
Throat
In vertebrate anatomy, the throat is the anterior part of the neck, in front of the vertebral column. It consists of the pharynx and larynx...

, or cheeks, dizziness, and trouble breathing are signs of an allergic reaction and should be treated immediately by a medical professional.

Mylanta may interact with certain medications. Individuals who are taking prescription drugs should consult their doctor before taking Mylanta and should not adjust the dosage of their prescription unless directed to by a doctor. Mylanta can hinder the absorption of the following medicines: digoxin, iron, tetracycline, antibiotics, and ciprofloxacin .

If Mylanta is taken on a frequent basis, usually longer than two weeks at maximum dosage, it could result in stomach acidity issues. In order to compensate for the constant neutralized state inside the stomach, the cells in the stomach lining begin to secrete more acid which results in higher than normal acid levels.
The source of this article is wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.  The text of this article is licensed under the GFDL.
 
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