Mylanta

Description

Mylanta is an antacid that works to neutralize stomach acid that has already been produced in the horse's stomach. With the advent of endoscopy, veterinarians have discovered that many horses have digestive system ulcers. These include race horses, competition horses, and pleasure horses not known to lead stressful lives.

Many veterinarians believe that modern-day feeding methods, which do not allow for lengthy periods of grazing, are responsible for many cases of ulcers. When the horse's stomach is empty between feedings, it is thought that the digestive acids being secreted damage the stomach, leading to ulcers.

While Mylanta may be useful for short-term relief of acid build-up, most veterinarians prescribe either H2 blocker medications, such as cimetidine, rantidine, or famotidine, or, more often, omeprazole, sold under the brand name, Gastrogard, which works by shutting down some of the stomach cells' ability to produce large quantities of hydrochloric acid. This gives an equine ulcer time to heal. In contrast, oral antacids, such as Mylanta, work to neutralize stomach acid that has already been produced and are only effective for short periods of time.

Usage

Although Mylanta is used for the treatment of ulcers in horses, other medications, including H2 blockers and omeprazole, are preferred because of the ability of these drugs to offer long-term effectiveness.

Dosage and Administration

Per veterinarian's advice

Side Effects

No side effects are mentioned in available literature

Precautions

Mylanta works on a short-time basis only and will not lead to healing of ulcers.

Interactions

None mentioned in literature

Overdose

No information noted.

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