Online Encyclopedia
Antacid
An antacid is a substance that is swallowed in order to buffer gastric acid, raising the pH to reduce acid damage and relieve heartburn. Some also 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®)
Last updated: 03-13-2005 10:44:27