Antacid: Ideal Properties of Antacids, Combinations of Antacids, Sodium Bicarbonate, Aluminum hydroxide gel, Magnesium hydroxide mixture

Antacid

Medications called antacids counteract and neutralize the stomach's acid. They are thus useful for treating indigestion and heartburn. The medications can be purchased without a prescription at pharmacies and shops in a variety of forms, including liquids and chewable tablets.

Antacids help neutralize stomach acid and are available over-the-counter (OTC). Compared with H2 receptor blockers and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), they are acid reducers. By reducing or preventing stomach acid from being secreted, they work. Taking antacids can relieve any of these symptoms of a high stomach acid level:

• There are several symptoms of acid reflux, including regurgitation, a bitter taste, persistent coughing, and difficulty swallowing
• Acid reflux harms your lungs, heart, and throat by causing heartburn
• Gas or bloating may accompany indigestion, which causes pain in the upper gut

A few hours after taking them, they can relieve symptoms. These drugs do not treat the underlying cause of the disorder, and they should not be used long-term.

Ideal properties of antacids

• They should be Water-insoluble
• It should have a fine particle size
• It should not be easily absorbable
• It should not cause constipation
• It should not act as a laxative
• It should have rapid effects
• It should not also cause any systemic alkalosis
• There should be a long-term impact
• It should also contain the evolution of a large number of gases due to its reaction with acid in GIT
• It should also inhibit pepsin
• Non-toxic
• It should be easily available
• It should not have any side effect

Sodium bicarbonate

Synonyms – baking soda, sodium hydrogen carbonate, bicarbonate of soda, NaHCO3, etc.

A white, crystalline powder of sodium bicarbonate is commonly used for pH buffering, electrolyte replenishment, systemic alkalizing, and as a topical cleansing agent.

Alkaline baking soda relieves heartburn, sour stomach, and acid indigestion by dissolving excessive stomach acid. An antacid medicine is used for this purpose and is regarded as belonging to the antacid family. Treatment for stomach ulcers or duodenal ulcers is possible with this medication. Certain conditions require that sodium bicarbonate be added to the blood to make blood and urine more alkaline. No prescription is required for oral use of sodium bicarbonate. Among the different dosage forms are:

• Solution
• Granules
• Tablet

By reducing stomach acid, sodium bicarbonate is used. In addition to treating heartburn and indigestion, it can also help soothe an upset stomach. A very quick-acting antacid, sodium bicarbonate works quickly. It should only be used to alleviate temporary symptoms. Consult your doctor for alternative treatment options if you have long-term stomach acid issues (such as peptic ulcer disease or GERD). Bicarbonate of sodium is present in baking soda, so it neutralizes acids.

Aluminum hydroxide gel

Synonyms - dried aluminum hydroxide gel, tri-hydroxide, dried aluminum tri-hydroxide, AlH3O3, etc.

Overproduction of stomach acid is associated with symptoms such as acid indigestion, heartburn, and stomach upset. The active ingredient in aluminum hydroxide is capable of lowering stomach acid quickly. Tablets and capsules generally do not work fast or as well as liquid antacids. They work by neutralizing the stomach's acid. Acid production is not prevented by it. Cimetidine/ranitidine, proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole, and other medications that lower acid production can be used along with this medication.

Minerals such as aluminum are naturally occurring. The hydroxide of aluminum is an antiacid. Acid indigestion, heartburn, upset stomach, or acid indigestion can be treated with aluminum hydroxide. In addition to reducing the level of phosphate in people with certain kidney problems, aluminum hydroxide is also used.

Magnesium hydroxide mixture

Synonym – magnesium hydroxide powder, Mg (OH)2, natural magnesium hydroxide powder, etc.

If taken for a short period, this medication can be used for treating constipation. The medication is a laxative (osmotic) that works by drawing water into the intestines, which allows the bowels to move. Also, it is used to treat patients who have too much stomach acid, such as heartburn, upset stomach, and indigestion. A strong antacid that works by decreasing stomach acid.

Natural minerals also include magnesium and the magnesium hydroxide in magnesium tablets reduces stomach acid while causing the intestines to retain more water, leading to bowel movements. Constipation can be relieved by taking magnesium hydroxide as a laxative. As an antacid, magnesium hydroxide can relieve stomach upsets such as heartburn, indigestion, and gas.

An antacid combination consisting of aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide is commonly used to treat acid reflux, heartburn, and upset stomach. In addition, these symptoms may be caused by peptic ulcers, gastritis, esophagitis, Hiatal hernias, or too much stomach acid (gastric hyperacidity).

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