ANTACIDS

• Antacids are weak bases that are used to NEUTRALIZE

excess stomach acid

• Most antacids are weak inorganic bases

• Antacids DO NOT prevent

the over-production of acid

• Antacids DO neutralize the

• cid once it’s in the stomach
 MECHANISM OF ACTION
• There is a certain level of acid in your stomach. A
system called the pH (potential of hydrogen) system
measures this level on a scale from 0-14.
• The normal acid level in the stomach is about 2 or 3
on this scale. A pH of 7 is neutral, below 7 is acid and
above 7 is alkaline.
• When there is excess acid in your stomach, the pH
level has probably dropped below the normal level of
2 or 3, and the job of the antacid, which is a base (the
opposite of an acid), is to neutralize some of the
excess acid.
Promote the gastric mucosal defense mechanisms:
Secretions of:
• Mucus: protective barrier against HCl.
• Bicarbonate: Helps buffer acidic properties of HCl
• Prostaglandin: Prevent activation of pump inhibitors
Common examples include
Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3)

constipation, gas (flatulence) Nausea, bloating, or gas 

Aluminum hydroxide (Al(OH)3) Magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2)

MgO and Mg(OH)2 (Milk of Magnesia)

severe stomach pain or constipation diarrhea

Combined Antacids
Special Considerations

People with heart failure may have sodium restrictions to help decrease
fluid buildup. However, antacids often contain a lot of sodium.

People with kidney failure may develop a buildup of aluminum after

using antacids. This can lead to aluminum toxicity. People with kidney
failure also tend to have problems with electrolyte balance. All
antacids contain electrolytes, which could make electrolyte balance
problems worse.