What is the Difference Between Mylanta and Omeprazole

The key difference between Mylanta and Omeprazole is that Mylanta relieves the symptoms of excessive stomach acids by acting as an antacid, while Omeprazole relieves the symptoms of excessive stomach acids by acting as a proton pump inhibitor.

Mylanta and Omeprazole are medications used to treat stomach acid-related conditions such as acid reflux, heartburn, and indigestion. Mylanta is an antacid that neutralizes stomach acid comprised of aluminium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, and simethicone. Mylanta is typically used for short-term relief of occasional heartburn or indigestion. In contrast, Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that reduces the amount of acid the stomach produces. It is typically used for long-term treatment of chronic heartburn or acid reflux. Omeprazole is available over the counter and by prescription. The best medication for individuals depends on their needs and medical history.

CONTENTS

1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Mylanta  
3. What is Omeprazole
4. Similarities – Mylanta and Omeprazole
5. Mylanta vs. Omeprazole in Tabular Form
6. Summary – Mylanta vs. Omeprazole

What is Mylanta?

Mylanta is generally a liquid antacid containing aluminum, magnesium, and simethicone used to alleviate the symptoms of excessive stomach acid, such as acid indigestion, heartburn, and stomach upset. Primarily, liquid antacids such as Mylanta work faster and better than capsules or tablets. It affects only the existing acids in the stomach and does not prevent production and secretion. Mylanta can be used alone or as a combined therapy with other medications that decrease acid production, such as proton pump inhibitors (e.g., Omeprazole) and H2 blockers (e.g., Cimetidine/Ranitidine). It is recommended to refrigerate the suspension and shake the bottle well before pouring each dose. The liquid form works best if taken alone without any other fluids. However, Mylanta may interact with other medications, such as digoxin, iron, pazopanib, tetracycline antibiotics, and quinolone antibiotics like ciprofloxacin, to prevent the body from fully absorbing them.

Common side effects of Mylanta include nausea, constipation, diarrhea, and headache. Magnesium in the product causes diarrhea, while aluminium causes constipation. However, diarrhea is a more common occurrence than constipation. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a doctor or a pharmacist to properly schedule your medications and prevent these problems.

What is Omeprazole?

Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor primarily prescribed to treat gastric acid-related disorders such as gastroesophageal reflux disease and peptide ulcers. In addition, Omeprazole is also used to heal the tissue damage and ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori. It was approved by the FDA in 1989 as the first proton pump inhibitor. Omeprazole is well-tolerated and effective in both children and adults. The mechanism of action of Omeprazole includes the inhibition of gastric acid secretion. The H+/K+ ATPase enzyme systems of the proton pump regulate the secretion of the hydrochloric acids into the gastric lumen. Omeprazole selectively inhibits the enzyme by covalently binding to the cysteine residue. Omeprazole results in an increase in pH in the stomach, ultimately discouraging the growth of Helicobacter pylori. Furthermore, it also inhibits the urease enzyme to prevent the pathogenesis of Helicobacter pylori.

Omeprazole is commonly available as delayed-release capsules that contain enteric-coated granules. These granules are acid-liable, and absorption of Omeprazole only starts when it exits the stomach. It reaches the peak plasma concentration 0.5-3.5 hours after the oral administration. Omeprazole is distributed, binding with plasma protein, and heavily metabolized in the liver mainly to hydroxy Omeprazole. Metabolites and unmetabolized drugs are extensively excreted in urine with an elimination half-life of 0.5-1 hour. Overdose symptoms of Omeprazole include confusion, blurred vision, headache, nausea, and dry mouth.

What are the Similarities Between Mylanta and Omeprazole?

• Mylanta and Omeprazole effectively relieve heartburn, acid reflux, and indigestion.
• They are both relatively safe for most people to use.
• They can interact with other medications.
• Both are available over the counter.

What is the Difference Between Mylanta and Omeprazole?

Mylanta and Omeprazole are medications commonly used to treat stomach acid-related conditions, such as heartburn, acid reflux, and indigestion. However, there is a distinct difference between Mylanta and Omeprazole. Mylanta is an antacid that neutralizes stomach acid comprising aluminium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, and simethicone. In contrast, Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that reduces the amount of acid the stomach produces.

Mylanta is typically used for short-term relief of occasional heartburn or indigestion, while Omeprazole is typically used for long-term chronic heartburn or acid reflux treatment. Mylanta is available over the counter, while Omeprazole is available both over the counter and by prescription. Common side effects of Mylanta include constipation and diarrhea. In contrast, Omeprazole may cause headaches, nausea, diarrhea, and stomach cramps.

Below is a summary of the difference between — in tabular form for side by side comparison.

Summary – Mylanta vs. Omeprazole

Mylanta and Omeprazole are medications used to treat stomach acid-related conditions, such as heartburn, acid reflux, and indigestion. Mylanta is an antacid, indicating that it quickly neutralizes stomach acid. It is typically used for short-term relief of occasional heartburn or indigestion. Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor, suggesting that it reduces the amount of acid the stomach produces. It is typically used for long-term treatment of chronic heartburn or acid reflux. Mylanta is available over the counter, while Omeprazole is available over the counter and by prescription. Mylanta is good for occasional heartburn or indigestion, while Omeprazole is better for chronic heartburn or acid reflux. Thus, this is the summary of the difference between Mylanta and Omeprazole. Basically, which medication is right for an individual depends on the needs and medical history.

Reference:

1. Oates, John A., et al. “Omeprazole.” New England Journal of Medicine, vol. 324, no. 14, 1991, pp. 965–975.
2. “Fast Heartburn Relief.” Mylanta®..

Image Courtesy:

1. “Omeprazole” By Ayacop – PubChem (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia