Is Mylanta still marketed?

November 20, 2012 By

Q: I had been using Mylanta for a few years before it was taken off the market. It worked really well for me. Can you tell me why it was taken off the market or if there will be new Mylanta on the market soon? Thank you.

A: To the best of my knowledge, Mylanta wasn’t taken off the market. However, nearly a year before you wrote, there was a recall of 12 Mylanta products and one AlternaGel product due to a labeling error. The recall was initiated by the manufacturer after an internal review found that alcohol (from flavoring) was not noted on the packaging. The amounts were very small (less than 1%) and didn’t pose any health risks to users, but the company choose to recall all products containing the inaccurate labeling.
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Avoiding acid reflux

October 18, 2011 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: After reading your article on the extensive use and possible side effects of Prilosec and other PPIs, I would like to share with you how I have effectively eliminated heartburn symptoms without medications. My theory is that acid reflux is harmful because of irritation of the esophagus from abrasive and improperly chewed foods. Crisp and crunchy foods are very popular and can be very abrasive if not thoroughly chewed. The regimen I have assigned to myself may not be easy to do at first, but is very simple and may seem a little silly.

1.) Avoid crisp and crunchy foods whenever possible. Corn chips are bad! [Read more…]

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Gagging has many causes

November 9, 2010 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: Thank you for your balanced, sensible and unbiased information. It is a breath of fresh air.
My husband has a problem with spontaneous gagging. It does not seem to be related to eating, foreign objects or any activity in particular. It has caused him to pull the car over or stop talking with clients.

This has been going on for almost a year. We have had monitoring of his throat for acid reflux, and he did have some, but the rise in acid doesn’t seem to correspond with the gagging, and medication doesn’t make a difference. He has tried over-the-counter medications as well as prescriptions. He has also had an endoscopic procedure, which showed no polyps.

I would greatly appreciate any information you can provide; our doctors seem to be at a dead end.
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Patient wants remedy for GERD

April 8, 2010 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: Is there any home remedy for GERD? I am on Zegerid, watch what I eat, have the head of my bed elevated, and still can’t get rid of the midsternal indigestion. I have had a thorough medical workup.

DEAR READER: Gastroesophageal reflux disease is acid reflux that occurs regularly. The ring of muscles that separates the stomach from the esophagus is either weak or fails to close properly. Symptoms present when the backwash of stomach acid enters the esophagus and, as you are likely aware, can include difficulty swallowing, chest pain, a burning sensation, pain, dry cough, bad breath and more.

Treatment is one of progression. Over-the-counter medications such as Prilosec, Tagamet or Pepcid AC might be considered; when ineffective, they may be followed by prescription medication. Then might come X-ray testing, such as a barium swallow or upper endoscopy, which should reveal whether your symptoms are from GERD or caused by something else. If your GERD is severe and caused by a hiatal hernia, surgical repair may be recommended. Hiatal hernias can develop from sudden physical exertion, straining during evacuation, vomiting or coughing.
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Prilosec for a cough?

March 3, 2010 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: I had a dry, hacking cough all last winter. I finally went to an allergist, had a good work-up, and several ideas were put forth. I was told when all else fails and as a last resort, try over-the-counter Prilosec, the heartburn medication. Very much to my surprise, it worked. No more cough! As long as I continue to take one tablet daily, I’m free of the annoyance.

DEAR READER: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) commonly causes heartburn and a sour taste in the mouth; however, nearly half of all sufferers experience a chronic cough with no other symptoms. If the heartburn medication works, you probably have GERD. [Read more…]

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