Simple Bullets: Antacids

Antacids: raise the luminal pH 4 to give a very sticky gel that adheres
strongly to the base of ulcer craters.

Sodium Bicarbonate: Also known as baking soda. It works quickly to

neutralize acid. It is the only useful water-soluble antacid. It acts
rapidly but has a transient action and absorbed bicarbonate in high
dose may cause systemic alkalosis.

Magnesium Hydroxide: Mg hydroxide and magnesium trisilicate are

insoluble in water and have a fairly rapid action. Magnesium has a
laxative effect and may cause diarrhea

Aluminum Hydroxide: has a relatively slower action. Aluminum ions

form complexes with certain drugs (tetracyclines) and tend to cause
constipation. Mixtures of magnesium and aluminum compounds may
be used to minimize the effects of motility.

Aluminum and Magnesium: Aluminum salts dissolve slowly in the

stomach and work gradually, providing longer-lasting relief. Magnesium
salts act quickly to neutralize acids. The effects of aluminum and
magnesium balance each other so well; these types of antacids have
long been considered an excellent treatment for digestive upset.
However, in recent years there have been questions about the long-
term safety of taking aluminum, which may deplete the body of
phosphorus and calcium, increasing the risk of weak bones.

Calcium Carbonate: Also known as chalk, it acts quickly and

neutralizes acids for relatively long periods of time.

Antacid Overuse

Can affect absorption, bioavailability, or urinary excretion of other

drugs by altering gastric and urinary pH or by delaying gastric
emptying

Overuse can cause the following problems:

1. Aluminum hydroxide: Constipation and Hypophosphatemia,

Osteomalacia

2. Magnesium Hydroxide: Diarrhea, Hypermagnesemia

3. Calcium Carbonate: Hypercalcemia, Rebound Acid ↑,

Constipation, Renal Stones
 4. Sodium Bicarbonate: Metabolic Alkalosis, Hypertension, Renal
Failure

All Causes Hypokalemia

Do we have a Mnemonics for this? I have something for you!!!

Aluminum: AluMINIMUM amount of feces

Magnesium (MG): Must Go to the bathroom

Who says we can’t have our own mnemonics? LOLzZ Well, here we
have:

Aluminum: (W)Ala Tae!

Magnesium; Magtatae!

Sharing knowledge can be so FUN!

ANTACIDS Related Questions:

A client says, “I take ½ teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water

when I get heartburn.” The nurse suggests that the client use an
antacid preparation that contains aluminum hydroxide and magnesium
such as MAALOX. This response is based on the fact that antacids:
a. Contain little if any sodium
b. Are readily absorbed by the stomach mucosa
c. Have no direct effect on systemic acid-base balance when
taken as directed
d. Causes few side effects such as diarrhea or constipation when
they are used properly.