Question

What are antacids? Give an example.

Answer 1

Sometimes the concentration of hydrochloric acid in our stomach increases. This causes acidity. There are medicines to cure such problems which are antacids.

Complete answer:
Antacid is a medicine used to neutralise the stomach acid in order to cut down the burn we have during acidity. Stomach produces acid and to neutralise it, we need a base. So, antacids are basically a base.
These medicines are taken by mouth in order to quickly relieve occasional heartburn. The major symptom of acidity is gastroesophageal reflux disease and indigestion. Acidity occurs when there is no intake of food for a long period of time.
When large amounts of acids are produced in the stomach, the natural mucous barrier that protects the lining of the stomach gets damaged with acid reflux. The alkaline antacid ions can chemically neutralise this stomach gastric acid, reduce damage and relieves pain.
Example for an antacid is sodium bicarbonate. Other examples are magnesium hydroxide and Aluminium hydroxide.
Side effects of intake of antacids, such as magnesium oxide, is that it can cause diarrhea and some brands with calcium or aluminium can cause constipation. But rarely it can cause long-term kidney stones. Long term use of certain aluminium based brands of antacid can increase the risk of getting osteoporosis.
Thus, we can conclude that antacids are medicines used to neutralise the excess of acids produced in the stomach. Example for an antacid is sodium bicarbonate.

Note: Antacids can only decrease the heartburn in the stomach. It can’t eliminate the cause. It just controls the symptoms.