Aluminum Hydroxide/Magnesium Hydroxide Shortage Update: What Patients Need to Know in 2026

If you've been searching for your usual antacid on pharmacy shelves and coming up empty, you may be wondering whether there's a shortage. Here's the latest on aluminum hydroxide/magnesium hydroxide availability in 2026, what has changed in the market, and what you can do if your preferred product is hard to find.

Is There an Active Shortage of This Antacid in 2026?

As of 2026, there is no active FDA-declared shortage of aluminum hydroxide/magnesium hydroxide antacids. This is an over-the-counter drug class with multiple manufacturers and broad distribution, which makes it much less vulnerable to shortages than prescription medications. Generic versions of aluminum hydroxide/magnesium hydroxide suspension and tablets remain widely available at major pharmacy chains, grocery stores, and online retailers.

That said, you may still have trouble finding a specific brand or formulation. Here's what has changed in the antacid market that may be causing confusion:

What Happened to Maalox?

Maalox was one of the most recognized antacid brand names in the United States for decades. However, the brand-name Maalox has been discontinued in the U.S. market. Patients who were loyal to Maalox products found themselves needing to switch to generic equivalents or other brands — and the sudden shift in demand temporarily cleared shelves of equivalent generics at some locations.

The good news: the active ingredients in Maalox (aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide) are still manufactured and available in multiple generic formulations. You don't need Maalox specifically — you just need the same ingredients in the same amounts.

What About Mylanta?

Mylanta has had a more complicated history. The brand disappeared from U.S. shelves for several years after Johnson & Johnson sold it, then was relaunched by a new company. As of 2026, Mylanta products — including Mylanta Maximum Strength — are available in the U.S. market, though not at every pharmacy or store. The formulation now includes aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, and simethicone.

Why Can't I Find the Liquid Suspension Formulation?

Liquid antacid suspensions (like Mylanta Maximum Strength) have always been less widely distributed than tablet-form antacids. This is because:

• They take up more shelf space per dose than tablets
• They have shorter shelf lives than chewable tablets
• They are slower-moving at smaller retail locations that prefer stocking high-turnover items

If you specifically need the liquid formulation, your best bet is a large chain pharmacy, a grocery store pharmacy section, or online ordering.

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Does the FDA Track Antacid Shortages?

The FDA maintains a Drug Shortage Database that lists both active and resolved shortages for prescription and some OTC medications. As of 2026, aluminum hydroxide/magnesium hydroxide does not appear on the FDA's shortage list. You can verify this yourself by visiting the FDA Drug Shortage Database at accessdata.fda.gov.

What Should Patients Do If They Can't Find It?

Here are practical steps if you're struggling to locate aluminum hydroxide/magnesium hydroxide:

1. Check the drug facts label for any antacid suspension and look for the same mg amounts of aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide.
2. Ask your pharmacist for store-brand equivalents — these are often cheaper and just as effective.
3. Try a larger chain pharmacy (CVS, Walgreens, Walmart) if your local store doesn't carry it.
4. Order online through Amazon or a pharmacy delivery service for future supply.

Skip the calls, skip the stress.

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medfinder Can Help You Locate Stock

Rather than calling pharmacies yourself, medfinder calls pharmacies near you to check stock and texts you the results. For more tips, see our guide on how to find aluminum hydroxide/magnesium hydroxide near you.