Maalox vs Mylanta: What’s the Difference?
Table of Contents
- Quick Answer: What Should You Choose?
- Maalox vs Mylanta: What Is the Difference?
- Maalox vs Mylanta: Comparison Table
- How to Choose the Right OTC Antacid
- Xeteor Picks
- Maalox vs Mylanta: Key Differences
- Which Works Fastest?
- When Not to Use OTC Antacids
- When to Ask a Doctor
- Bottom Line
- About Xeteor
- Frequently Asked Questions
When comparing Maalox vs Mylanta, the right choice usually depends less on the clinical strength and more on your preference for flavor, texture, and alcohol content. Most modern blogs incorrectly state that Mylanta is simply the "stronger" version of Maalox. Historically, both brands produced Regular Strength and Maximum Strength formulas utilizing the exact same active medical ingredients. The true difference comes down to the inactive formula base.
⚠️ June 2026 Update: The Status of Maalox & Mylanta
Quick Summary: Brand-name Maalox discontinued its entire line of retail products permanently. However, you can buy its FDA-approved generic match (Geri-Mox). Brand-name Mylanta is still available, but you can save significantly by switching to its exact generic equivalent (Geri-Lanta), which is readily available in both Regular and Maximum strengths.
- ❌ Brand-Name Maalox: Permanently Discontinued
- ✅ Generic Maalox (Geri-Mox): In Stock (Mint Flavor)
- ✅ Generic Mylanta (Geri-Lanta Regular): In Stock (Lemon Citrus Mint Flavor)
- ✅ Generic Mylanta Max (Geri-Lanta Max): In Stock (Original Lemon Flavor)
This guide explains the difference between the Maalox Mint formula and the Mylanta Original/Lemon formulas so you can choose the OTC antacid format that best fits your situation. Xeteor.com is a retail store, not a pharmacy, and this guide is for educational comparison purposes only.
Quick Answer: What Should You Choose?
| Situation | Usually Consider | Plain-English Reason |
|---|---|---|
| You prefer a smooth, minty taste without an active alcohol bite | Geri-Mox Regular Strength Compare to Maalox Advanced | Delivers the classic 200mg/200mg/20mg active ingredient ratio in a pure mint suspension free of ethyl alcohol. |
| You miss the classic Mylanta citrus-lemon "bite" | Geri-Lanta Regular Strength Compare to Mylanta Regular | Matches the same regular strength active ingredients but uses Mylanta's signature original flavor profile and 0.15% alcohol base. |
| You have severe, acute heartburn and need maximum relief | Geri-Lanta Maximum Strength Compare to Mylanta Maximum Strength | Provides double the active ingredients (400mg/400mg/40mg) in a lemon flavor profile with 0.5% alcohol. |
Best Overall: Generic Maalox-Style Antacid Liquid
Why: Geri-Mox uses the same active ingredients and strength as original regular-strength Maalox, making it the perfect everyday maintenance antacid without over-medicating.
Best for: Daily users who want smooth, minty relief for heartburn and gas pressure without the active alcohol base found in other brands.
Geri-Care Geri-Mox Antacid Liquid Mint Flavor - 12 fl oz | Compare to Maalox Advanced (3 Pack)
$29.99
Geri-Care Geri-Mox Antacid & Anti-Gas Liquid, Mint Flavor – 12 fl oz (3 Pack) | Compare to Maalox® Advanced Fast-Acting Multi-Symptom Relief for Heartburn and...… read more
View ProductJoe's Translation: Flavor vs Strength
- The Formula: From a clinical standpoint, regular-strength Maalox and regular-strength Mylanta are identical. Both use 200mg of Aluminum Hydroxide, 200mg of Magnesium Hydroxide, and 20mg of Simethicone per dose.
- Plain English: Do not choose by brand name alone. Choose by your flavor preference. The battle between these two brands was always about the "mouthfeel." Generic Maalox (Geri-Mox) is purely mint and does not contain ethyl alcohol. Generic Mylanta (Geri-Lanta) has a citrus-lemon bite and contains a fractional amount of active alcohol.
- Reach for this when: Use Geri-Mox if you want the soothing mint formula. Use Geri-Lanta Regular if you want the classic Mylanta taste. Upgrade to Geri-Lanta Maximum Strength only if your standard dose isn't controlling severe symptoms.
Maalox vs Mylanta: What Is the Difference?
All three products rely on the exact same triple-action medical blueprint to target digestive issues. They combine two powerful antacids to neutralize stomach acid on contact, and a targeted anti-gas agent to break up gas bubbles. The difference lies in flavor and concentration.
Geri-Care Geri-Mox Antacid Liquid Mint Flavor - 12 fl oz | Compare to Maalox Advanced
$12.99
Geri-Care Geri-Mox Antacid & Anti-Gas Liquid, Mint Flavor – 12 fl oz | Compare to Maalox® Advanced Fast-Acting Multi-Symptom Relief for Heartburn and Gas Geri-Care...… read more
View ProductGeneric Maalox: Geri-Mox Regular Strength
Geri-Mox is the direct generic equivalent for original Maalox Advanced. It utilizes 200 mg Aluminum Hydroxide, 200 mg Magnesium Hydroxide, and 20 mg Simethicone.
The main advantage is the Mint flavor. Unlike generic Mylanta, it is formulated without ethyl alcohol (which is why there is no active alcohol percentage warning on the front of the bottle). It is designed for daily users who prefer a smooth, soothing taste without the sharp bite of citrus or active alcohol.
Geri-Care Geri-Lanta Antacid - 12 fl oz | Compare to Mylanta Regular Strength
$12.99
Geri-Care Geri-Lanta Antacid – 12 fl oz | Compare to Mylanta® Regular Strength Gentle Multi-Symptom Relief for Heartburn, Sour Stomach, and Gas Geri-Care Geri-Lanta is...… read more
View ProductGeneric Mylanta: Geri-Lanta Regular Strength
Geri-Lanta Regular Strength is the direct generic equivalent for original Mylanta Regular. It utilizes the exact same 200mg/200mg/20mg active ingredient ratio as the generic Maalox.
The main advantage is its Original Flavor profile (Lemon Citrus Mint). It contains 0.15% alcohol, which changes the texture and mouthfeel as it coats the throat, delivering the classic Mylanta experience.
Geri-Care Geri-Lanta Maximum Strength Antacid Liquid - 12 fl oz | Compare to Mylanta Maximum Strength
$12.99
Geri-Care Geri-Lanta Maximum Strength Antacid Liquid – 12 fl oz | Compare to Mylanta® Maximum Strength Maximum Strength Relief for Tough Heartburn, Sour Stomach, and...… read more
View ProductGeneric Mylanta Max: Geri-Lanta Maximum Strength
Geri-Lanta Maximum Strength doubles the active payload to 400 mg Aluminum Hydroxide, 400 mg Magnesium Hydroxide, and 40 mg Simethicone.
This is designed for severe acid reflux. It features a straightforward Lemon flavor and contains 0.5% alcohol. Because the concentration is doubled, you must take a lower daily dosage volume compared to the regular strength formulas.
Maalox vs Mylanta: Comparison Table
| Feature | Generic Maalox (Geri-Mox Regular) | Generic Mylanta (Geri-Lanta Regular) | Generic Mylanta Max (Geri-Lanta Max) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active Ingredients (per 5 mL) | 200mg / 200mg / 20mg | 200mg / 200mg / 20mg | 400mg / 400mg / 40mg |
| Flavor Profile | Straight Mint | Lemon (Citrus Mint) | Lemon |
| Alcohol Content | No Ethyl Alcohol (None declared on front) | 0.15% Alcohol (Declared on front) | 0.5% Alcohol (Declared on front) |
How to Choose the Right OTC Antacid
Choose Generic Maalox (Geri-Mox) If:
- You want a reliable, daily-maintenance regular strength antacid.
- You prefer a smooth, cooling mint flavor.
- You want a formula free of ethyl alcohol.
Choose Generic Mylanta (Geri-Lanta Regular) If:
- You want a reliable, daily-maintenance regular strength antacid.
- You prefer the classic Mylanta citrus-lemon taste.
- You prefer the specific coating texture that comes from its original formula base.
Choose Generic Mylanta Max (Geri-Lanta Max) If:
- Your main issue is severe, acute acid reflux that regular strength doesn't touch.
- You want to consume less physical liquid per dose (by utilizing a double-concentrated formula).
- You prefer a straight lemon flavor profile.
Bottom line: For standard relief, the choice is entirely between Geri-Mox (Mint) and Geri-Lanta Regular (Lemon Citrus Mint). Only step up to Geri-Lanta Max if your symptoms demand double the active ingredients.
Xeteor Picks
Best Overall: Geri-Mox Antacid Liquid (Mint Flavor)
Best for: Daily, consistent heartburn relief and original Maalox purists.
Why we like it: It delivers the exact clinical ratio found in regular-strength Maalox with a smooth mint finish and highly reliable supply.
Best for Classic Mylanta Fans: Geri-Lanta Regular Strength
Best for: Users who want standard relief but miss the signature Mylanta taste.
Why we like it: It perfectly matches the 200mg/200mg/20mg active ratio while maintaining the specific "Original Flavor" lemon citrus mint profile and 0.15% alcohol base.
Best for Severe Heartburn: Geri-Lanta Maximum Strength
Best for: Heavy-duty relief for severe acid reflux and gas.
Why we like it: Double the active ingredients per dose with a straightforward lemon flavor profile (0.5% alcohol).
*Note: Please check our store for live links to the new Geri-Lanta products.
Maalox vs Mylanta: Key Differences
Active Ingredients vs. Inactive Ingredients
Main difference: In their standard regular-strength forms, there is no clinical difference in the active medication. The defining difference is entirely the inactive base: generic Maalox utilizes a mint base free of ethyl alcohol, while generic Mylanta utilizes a fractional alcohol citrus/lemon base.
Regular vs. Maximum Strength
Main difference: Maximum strength formulas (like Geri-Lanta Max) contain exactly double the active antacid and anti-gas ingredients per 5mL compared to regular strength (like Geri-Mox). You must follow the stricter maximum daily dosage limits on the Max formula labels.
Which Works Fastest?
Because they are all liquid suspensions utilizing the same fast-acting ingredients (Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide, Simethicone), they all neutralize stomach acid on contact almost instantly. The "fastest" relief comes down to taking the correct dosage for your symptom severity.
When Not to Use OTC Antacids
- Do not exceed the maximum daily dosage listed on the back of your specific bottle (Regular and Max strengths have different 24-hour limits).
- Do not take them continuously for more than 2 weeks without consulting a doctor.
- Do not take if you have kidney disease or are on a magnesium-restricted diet without physician approval.
When to Ask a Doctor
Contact your healthcare provider if you are currently taking a prescription drug (antacids may interact with certain prescriptions), if symptoms last for more than 2 weeks, or if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
Bottom Line
If you are comparing Maalox vs Mylanta, start with your flavor and strength preference:
- Generic Maalox (Geri-Mox) is a practical choice for everyday users who want a smooth mint liquid free of ethyl alcohol.
- Generic Mylanta (Geri-Lanta Regular) is a practical choice for everyday users who prefer the classic lemon-citrus taste.
- Generic Mylanta Max (Geri-Lanta Max) is a practical choice when you require double the clinical strength for severe heartburn.
Geri-Care Geri-Mox Antacid Liquid Mint Flavor - 12 fl oz | Compare to Maalox Advanced (12 Pack)
$64.99
Geri-Care Geri-Mox Antacid & Anti-Gas Liquid, Mint Flavor – 12 fl oz (12 Pack) | Compare to Maalox® Advanced Fast-Acting Multi-Symptom Relief for Heartburn and...… read more
View ProductGeri-Care Geri-Lanta Antacid - 12 fl oz | Compare to Mylanta Regular Strength
$12.99
Geri-Care Geri-Lanta Antacid – 12 fl oz | Compare to Mylanta® Regular Strength Gentle Multi-Symptom Relief for Heartburn, Sour Stomach, and Gas Geri-Care Geri-Lanta is...… read more
View ProductMylanta Coat & Cool Liquid Antacid Mint Chocolate Flavor - 12 fl oz
$12.99
Mylanta Coat & Cool Liquid Antacid – 12 fl oz | Mint Chocolate Flavor Extra Coating Power for Fast, Cooling Relief from Heartburn and Gas...… read more
View ProductAbout Xeteor
Xeteor.com, founded in Las Vegas in 2018, is a trusted online store and healthcare product guide specializing in generic over-the-counter medicines, store-brand alternatives, blood glucose test strips, diabetic testing supplies, vitamins, and healthcare essentials.
We help shoppers find the right product when a brand name is too expensive, a store-brand label is confusing, insurance is not being used, or the product they usually buy is out of stock. For OTC products, our approach compares active ingredients, strengths, dosage forms, package sizes, manufacturers, pricing, availability, and fulfillment options. For diabetic testing supplies, we help customers compare meter compatibility, test strip type, expiration dating, package count, price per strip, and out-of-pocket value.
Our product analysis is led by Joe, the Head Xeteorologist, whose Joe’s Translation insights explain generic OTC products and diabetes supply choices in plain English.
We are the creators of the Xeteor Rx Quality Ladder and the Premium vs. Value Generic Drugs framework. These guides help explain how generic OTC products differ by manufacturer, labeler, sourcing model, supply reliability, and delivered value.
Our OTC generic portfolio includes:
- Tier 1 Premium Generics: GoodSense and Foster & Thrive.
- Tier 2 Standard Generics: Geri-Care, Reliable 1 Laboratories, Oncor Pharmaceuticals, and Health Star.
- Tier 3 Value Generics: Major Pharmaceuticals and Rugby Laboratories.
Many customers also come to Xeteor.com for affordable cash-pay diabetic testing supplies, especially blood glucose test strips, meters, lancets, control solution, and related diabetes supplies. Explore our Diabetes Management Guides, including guides for CareSens Test Strips, True Metrix Test Strips, and Original Bayer Contour Test Strips.
Xeteor is top-rated across major platforms including Trustpilot, Google, eBay, Amazon, and Walmart, with over 10,000 customer reviews across major platforms. Our goal is to combine clear product guidance, reliable products, and real human support by phone, email, and text.
For more plain-English comparisons, visit the Xeteor OTC & Diabetes Guides.
Shipping
Orders placed by 3:00 PM PST, Monday through Friday, usually ship the same business day when fulfilled directly from Xeteor. Network and partner-fulfilled items usually ship within 1 to 2 business days through trusted healthcare distribution partners.
We offer free nationwide shipping on orders over $30 and on qualifying Savings Packs. Some orders may ship in multiple packages if items are fulfilled from different locations. View our full shipping policy.
Payment Methods
We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, PayPal, Venmo, Google Pay, and Apple Pay.
Returns
Purchases are backed by our 100-day return policy. We accept eligible unopened, unused items in their original packaging, with no restocking fees. View our complete return policy.
Need Help?
We’re here for you. Reach out via:
- Phone: 1-833-787-4777 (Monday-Friday, 9 AM-5 PM PST)
- Email: cs@xeteor.com
- Text: 702-659-7022
Visit our full Contact Xeteor Customer Service page for more options.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always read and follow the product label. If you have a medical question, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or other qualified healthcare professional.
Important: Xeteor.com sells over-the-counter products, diabetic testing supplies, vitamins, and healthcare essentials. We do not sell, dispense, or fulfill prescription medications. OTC generic comparisons are based on factors such as active ingredient, strength, dosage form, package size, labeling, availability, and practical use case. Diabetes testing supplies must be compatible with the meter or device being used. Inactive ingredients, packaging, taste, texture, sourcing, expiration dating, and fulfillment path can vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Maalox and Mylanta the same thing?
Clinically, their regular-strength formulas use the exact same active ingredients (aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, and simethicone) to neutralize stomach acid and relieve gas. The main difference is their flavor and inactive ingredients. The Maalox formula uses a mint, alcohol-free base, while the Mylanta formula uses a lemon-citrus base with a fractional amount of alcohol.
Why can't I find Maalox in stores?
Brand-name Maalox was permanently discontinued by its manufacturer and is no longer sold in retail stores. However, you can still buy the exact same FDA-approved clinical formula by purchasing a generic equivalent, such as Geri-Mox.
Is Mylanta stronger than Maalox?
Not inherently. Historically, both brands made Regular Strength and Maximum Strength versions. Today, Mylanta is mostly sold in retail stores as a Maximum Strength formula, which contains double the active ingredients per dose compared to regular-strength Maalox. However, you can still buy generic Regular Strength Mylanta (Geri-Lanta) online.
Does Maalox or Mylanta contain alcohol?
The generic Maalox formula (Geri-Mox) is completely alcohol-free. The generic Mylanta formulas (Geri-Lanta) contain a small amount of alcohol as part of their flavor and texture base (0.15% for Regular Strength and 0.5% for Maximum Strength).
Can I take Maalox or Mylanta every day?
Over-the-counter liquid antacids should not be taken continuously for more than 2 weeks without consulting a doctor. Always follow the maximum daily dosage listed on the back of your specific bottle, as Regular Strength and Maximum Strength formulas have different 24-hour limits.
