Question

Antacids are _______ in nature
A.Acidic
B.Basic
C.Salt
D.Ionic

Answer 1

Antacids are over-the-counter (OTC) drugs which help neutralize stomach acid. They work differently from other acid reducers such as hydrogen receptor blockers and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). These types of drugs perform therapeutic action by reducing or preventing the secretion of stomach acid.

Complete step by step answer:
Antacids are a class of drugs that prevent excessive secretion of acid in the stomach. They contain ingredients such as aluminum, calcium, magnesium, or sodium bicarbonate which are basic in nature that neutralize excessive stomach acid and thus relieves us from indigestion, heartburn and stomach ache.
Since antacids neutralize acid they should be basic in nature hence the option ‘C’ is the correct answer .

Additional information:
Antacids usually come in the following drug forms:

liquid
chewable gummy or tablet
tablet that you dissolve in water to drink
Popular antacid brands include:

Alka-Seltzer
Maalox
Mylanta
Rolaids
Tums
Precautions:
Antacids generally do not have any major side effects on most of the people. However, people with certain medical conditions should be concerned with their doctors before taking certain antacids that contain aluminum hydroxide and magnesium carbonate.
For example, 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.

Note:
Histamine, Cimetidine and Ranitidine are some of the first developed as well as major selling antacids. Recently omeprazole and lansoprazole are introduced as antacids which also prevent excessive secretion of acid in the stomach thus preventing acidity.