Antacids

Antacids are the medicines which neutralize the excess acid present in the stomach.

Stomach juice contains hydrochloric acid (HCl). This acid helps the process of digestion of food.

Due to illness or anxiety or some other reasons more acid is produced in the stomach. The stomach juice becomes more acidic than necessary. This causes problems in digestion, bleeding in the lining of stomach or even ulcers. Some medicines are used to neutrialise the excess acid and correct the pH of the stomach fluid.

For example, sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃) or a suspension of magnesium hydroxide is used to neutralize excess of acid present in the stomach. Milk of magnesia contains magnesium hydroxide, ENO fruit salt contains sodium bicarbonate which helps to neutralize excess acidity in the stomach juice. Medicine like digene, gelusil, used as an antacid contain magnesium hydroxide.