Antacids

Hydrochloric acid is found in our stomach, and it is responsible for digestion and the prevention of stomach infections. In contrast, as the acid level rises, we begin to experience nausea, stomach soreness, and in more severe cases, gastric ulcers. Antacids are required to cure this condition. As the name implies, antacids are chemical compounds that help to neutralise excess acids present in the stomach as gastric fluids and relieve acidity issues.

Sometimes our stomachs get irritated because of the acids. This can cause us to feel pain. This can sometimes cause ulcers in the stomach, so it’s essential to be careful. In 1970, antacids were found to help with acidity. Antacids are the things that make your stomach acid less acidic.

Components of Antacids

• Sodium Bicarbonate

It’s a mild antacid with fast action. Although it is a safe household treatment, the sodium level is harmful. Doctors seldom advocate “baking soda” or “bicarb,” yet it is a component in many prescription drugs. The effervescent property of bicarbonate shows the commercial existence of pain reliever/antacid blends as Bromo-SeltzerTM and Alka-SeltzerTM. This component combines with stomach acid to produce CO2, quickly absorbed but occasionally causes a nice burp. Overuse of bicarbonate may cause systemic alkalosis (pH imbalance). People with high blood pressure should avoid bicarbonate.

• Magnesium Hydroxide

Also known as Magnesium Milk. Magnesium hydroxide, like magnesium sulphate and magnesium citrate, is a laxative. This component is used with the aluminium hydroxide to reduce diarrhoea. But medication costs more, and aluminium hydroxide reduces the benefits of antacids. The gut does not absorb magnesium hydroxide. With the stomach acid, it emancipates magnesium chloride, which is absorbed. Magnesium (Mg) has several roles in human cells. However, it is dangerous if Mg levels rise. Also, renal failure patients must avoid magnesium.

• Aluminium Hydroxide

Unlike the primary component, this has a weak and sluggish action on the body. This is not the case with commercial drugs. Aluminium may protect the stomach lining from irritants like alcohol. Al(OH)3 has other uses as well. It aids in binding phosphate in the gut lumen to form insoluble aluminium phosphate. This medicine is effective for persons who have renal failure and are predisposed to generate phosphate-containing kidney stones. Toxic exposure can induce brain damage, metabolic bone diseases such as osteoporosis and osteomalacia, and fractures in malnourished persons.

• Calcium Carbonate

Calcium Carbonate is the most widely available antacid. It can completely neutralise gastric acid. Nevertheless, it may not be suitable for everyday usage. A common antacid adverse effect is a rebound in stomach acid output. Calcium-containing types of antacids include TitralacTM and TumsTM, with a daily dose of 3 g. Some sugar-based compounds like Fructooligosaccharides are widely available to take if calcium carbonate doesn’t work out. One can consider this option while travelling. 

Antacids and their Mechanism of Action

Antacids are over-the-counter (OTC) drugs to neutralise stomach acid and relieve heartburn and nausea. H2 receptor blockers, proton pump inhibitors, for example, are acid reducers that function differently than antacids (PPIs). This class of medications works by lowering or inhibiting the release of gastric acid in the stomach.

When stomach acid is abundant, antacids can be used to alleviate the following symptoms:

• Regurgitation is a burning sensation in your chest or throat caused by acid reflux

• bitter taste

• persistent dry cough

•  pain when lying down and difficulty swallowing heartburn

• A burning sensation in your chest or throat is caused by acid reflux, as well as indigestion, which can feel like gas or bloating in your upper gut.

Specific Consequences of Taking Antacids

The chemicals included in antacid pills are responsible for the unpleasant side effects that have been reported. Only a few product combinations, on the other hand, have side effects that are mutually exclusive. In the same way, magnesium may produce diarrhoea, and aluminium can cause constipation. A tablet with these two components will have a more neutral impact on the gut than one that does not have these two components.

It is generally agreed that following the instructions of your doctor or the directions on the tablet strip will result in fewer side effects. Side effects of the medications may occur if they are used excessively or for an extended period without a prescription. The following are a few of the most prevalent adverse effects of types of antacids that you should be aware of:

• Constipation

• Low Blood Pressure

• High Blood Pressure

• Kidney Stones

• Toxicity Caused by aluminium

Aside from that, if large dosages of antacids are used for a lengthy period, it might result in a condition known as acid rebound. This illness arises when the stomach produces excessive amounts of acid after consuming beverages and meals.

Uses of Antacids

• This drug is used to treat the symptoms of excessive stomach acid, including stomach distress, heartburn, and acid indigestion.

• Also used to alleviate symptoms of excess gas, such as burp, bloating, and sensations of pressure or pain in the stomach or intestines.

• Gas bubbles in the intestines are broken up with simethicone.

• Antacids containing aluminium or magnesium help immediately to reduce stomach acid levels.

• This drug only works on acid that the body has already produced.

• No acid is produced as a result of its use.

• Cimetidine/ranitidine and proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole are examples of drugs that can be used alone or in conglomeration with other medications to suppress acid production.

• If you are self-treating with this drug, be sure to thoroughly read the package directions before you begin using it to ensure that it is the right product for your needs.

• Products with identical brand names but different active ingredients and applications can be found on the market.

• It is possible to get harmed by taking the wrong product.

Acid reflux antacids

Lower chest burning pain, known as “heartburn,” is a common symptom of acid reflux, a condition that affects many people. Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid seeps up into the oesophagus. A common first-line treatment for mild heartburn is antacids. Neutralizing the acid in your stomach helps alleviate symptoms. Amino acids that treat acid reflux are known as Acid reflux antacids.

Best Antacid For GERD

When acid reflux occurs more than twice a week, the person may have GERD. Long-term stomach acid reflux (GERD) is a condition in which the acid from the stomach leaks up into a person’s throat. Omeprazole (Prilosec), a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), is one of the most commonly prescribed anti-diarrheal medications for patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It is the best antacid for GERD.

Conclusion

An antacid is a medication typically used to treat heartburn, a symptom of gastritis or acidity that occurs frequently. For curing indigestion, the stomach generates gastric acid. Hydrochloric acid constitutes the majority of this acid’s formula. Excessive acid secretion can result in stomach illnesses such as gastritis, gastric ulcers, and peptic acid disease. Antacids, which lower the quantity of acid in the stomach, can specifically treat certain conditions. Acid-neutralizing antacids include weak bases that react chemically with stomach acids to generate salt and water, therefore neutralising acid in the stomach.