To know more about what are Antacids let us check it out some of the information about it. Antacids are the drugs or preparations which neutralises the excess hydrochloric acid secreted in the body. These gives relief of pain due to hyperchlorhydria, and the efficacy of antacid is measured in terms of neutralising capacity.
Under the normal conditions, hydrochloric acid is secreted by epithelial cells of gastric mucosa. But due to the inflammation of gastric mucosa as in gastritis, these results hyper-secretion of hydrocohloric acid which is known as hpyerchlorhydria.
This condition sometimes lead to peptic ulcers. Depending upon the portion where erosion of mucosal layer results it is known as esophageal ulcer, gastric ulcer, deodenal ulcer etc. which can be treated by antacids or antichlorinergics.
Some of the properties of ideal for effective antacids are as follows:
- It should be insoluble in water and should have fine particle size.
- It should not produce systemic alkalosis.
- It should produce its effect gradual and over longer period of time.
- It should not have side effects.
- It should be stable, readily available.
- It should not evolve large quantities of gas on reacting with hydrochloric acids.
Some of the examples of antacids are as follows:
- Aluminium hydroxide Gel
- Dried Aluminium hydroxide Gel
- Aluminium hydroxide Tablets
- Dried Aluminium phosphate
- Dried Aluminium phosphate Gel
- Aluminium Glycinate
- Calcium carbonate
- Heavy magnesium carbonate
- Light magnesium carbonate
- Heavy magnesium oxide
- Light magnesium oxide
- Milk of magnesia
- Magnesium hydroxide
- Magnesium Trisilicate
- Sodium Bicarbonate
Antacids are alkaline bases and they neutralise the acidity. As stated earlier the use of antacid is to give symptomataic relief from pain by neutralising the excess of hydrochloric acid. Antacids thus are useful in treatment of ulcers by reducing pain.