Question

Which of the following substances is an antacid?
A) sodium bicarbonate
B) magnesium hydroxide
C) magnesium bicarbonate
D) all the above

Answer 1

An antacid is a medication that reduces stomach acidity and is used to treat heartburn, indigestion, and stomach distress. Antacids have been used to treat constipation and diarrhoea in the past. Antacids on the market now contain aluminium, calcium, magnesium, or sodium salts.

Complete Step By Step Answer:
Antacids are chemical compounds that neutralise excess acid in the stomach fluids and provide relief from acid indigestion, acidity, heartburn, and gastric ulcers. Although an acidic stomach is beneficial to one's health, too much acid in the stomach causes discomfort, thus antacids are used to neutralise the excess acid and restore the stomach's pH to a healthy level. Weak bases, such as baking soda in water, are the most often used antacids, while aluminium hydroxide, magnesium trisilicate, sodium bicarbonate, and potassium bicarbonates are the other most commonly used bases. Antacids come in a variety of forms, including liquids, gels, and pills.
Magnesium hydroxide is extensively used as an antacid to neutralise stomach acids and prevent indigestion and heartburn due to its slightly basic and non-toxic nature. It's also used as a laxative, antiperspirant, underarm deodorant, to heal wounds, and as a fire retardant.
Magnesium salt formulations may induce diarrhoea, whereas calcium or aluminium formulations may cause constipation. Long-term usage of calcium carbonate can induce kidney stones in rare cases. Long-term usage of aluminum-containing antacids may raise the risk of osteoporosis. In vitro investigations have discovered the possibility of acid rebound as a result of antacid abuse, although the relevance of this discovery has been questioned.
Hence option B is correct.

Note:
When the stomach produces too much acid, the natural mucus barrier that covers the stomach lining might break down, causing pain and irritation. There's also the possibility of acid reflux, which can cause pain and damage to the oesophagus. Antacids contain alkaline ions, which chemically neutralise stomach gastric acid, decreasing damage to the stomach lining and oesophagus while also providing pain relief. Pepsin, an enzyme that can damage the oesophagus in acid reflux, is inhibited by certain antacids.