Preparations containing mainly calcium and magnesium crabonate react with hydrochloric acid in the stomach to convert hydrochloric acid into ordinary water (HCL> H²O). This process is called neutralization.
Antacids include:
💊 Maaloks - in the form of chewable tablets and ready-to-drink suspension.
💊 Rennie - tablet, orange and menthol flavored.
💧 Simalgel - syrup.
💧 Almagel (A, neo) - syrup.
💧 Phosphalugel - suspension.
When too much acid is produced in the stomach, the natural mucous barrier that protects the gastric mucosa can be damaged, causing pain and irritation.
In addition, acid reflux may develop, which can lead to pain and damage to the esophagus. Antacids contain alkaline ions, which chemically neutralize stomach acid, reduce damage to the gastric mucosa and esophagus, and relieve pain.
⚠️ Antacids do not directly block acid secretion and are therefore different from acid-reducing drugs such as H2 receptor antagonists or proton pump blockers.
Antacids do not kill Helicobacter pylorix bacteria, which cause most stomach ulcers.
👉 Currently sold antacids contain salts of aluminum, calcium, magnesium or sodium. Some drugs contain a combination of two salts, such as magnesium carbonate and aluminum hydroxide.
