2. Antacids
“The substance which neutralizes excess amount of
acid in gastrointestinal tract is called as antacid”
e.g: Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), Magnesium
hydroxide Mg(OH)2
Antacids
3. Ideal Properties of Antacids
Should not be absorbable
Fine particle size
Should not cause constipation
Should not cause systemic alkalosis
Should not act as laxative
Readily available
Should not produce large volume of gas
Non toxic
4. Types of Antacids
Antacids are two types:
Systemic (absorbable) Antacid: which are soluble,
readily absorbable and producing alkalosis e.g.
Sodium bicarbonate
Non- Systemic (non-absorbable) Antacid: which are
not absorbable and not produced systemic effect.
5. Non systemic antacids divided as
• Aluminium containing antacids: Aluminium
phosphate, Aluminium hydroxide
• Calcium containing antacids: Calcium carbonate,
tribasic calcium phosphate
• Magnesium containing antacids: Magnesium
carbonate, magnesium hydroxide
• Combination antacids: Aluminium hydroxide gel and
magnesium hydroxide
