Antacid - Definition and Overview

An antacid is any substance that counteracts stomach acidity. It is taken by mouth to relieve heartburn, sour stomach, or acid indigestion. Some antacids buffer gastric acid, raising the pH to reduce acid damage. Others block the secretion of it (e.g. H2 blockers). Some combinations also contain simethicone, which may relieve the symptoms of excess gas, or adsorb bile salts. Common types are:

• Aluminium hydroxide (Amphojel^®, AlternaGEL^®)
• Magnesium hydroxide (Phillips’^® Milk of Magnesia)
• Aluminium hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide (Maalox^®, Mylanta^®)
• Aluminium carbonate gel (Basajel^®)
• Calcium carbonate (Tums^®, Titralac^®, Calcium Rich Rolaids^®)
• Sodium bicarbonate (Bicarbonate of soda)
• Hydrotalcite (Mg₆Al₂(CO₃)(OH)₁₆ · 4(H₂O); Talcid®)

Remember, antacids merely mask symptoms instead of handling the real problem, which could be serious.