Question

An effective antacid contains:
A.sodium hydroxide
B.magnesium hydroxide
C.sour milk
D.lime water

Answer 1

Hint: An antacid neutralizes the acid level in our stomach. For neutralization of acid, a base is required.

Complete step by step answer:
Magnesium hydroxide when it reacts with acid, it neutralizes the acid in our stomach. The following reaction takes place during neutralization.
${\rm{Mg}}{\left( {{\rm{OH}}} \right)_{\rm{2}}} + {\rm{2HCl}}\, \to {\rm{MgC}}{{\rm{l}}_{\rm{2}}} + {\rm{2}}{{\rm{H}}_{\rm{2}}}{\rm{O}}$
In the above reaction we see that magnesium hydroxide reacts with hydrochloric acid generating magnesium chloride and water thereby, neutralizing the acid.

Additional information:
Antacids contain ingredients like calcium, aluminium, sodium or magnesium bicarbonate. These ingredients act as a base that makes the pH of our stomach neutral. The pH range of the normal gastric acid is in the range of 1.5-3.5. Pepto-Bismol, magnesium hydroxide, Aluminum hydroxide, Gavison, Gelusil, Maalox , Mylanta etc. are some examples of antacids.
The aluminum in antacids have various side effects such as aluminum toxicity, constipation, osteomalacia, low blood o phosphate levels, constipation etc. The calcium present in the antacids can cause vomiting, lead to kidney stones, nausea, alkalosis and also high blood calcium levels. The magnesium in antacids can lead to diseases like high blood magnesium levels, nausea and vomiting etc. The sodium bicarbonate can increase the blood pressure, can lead to bloating or gas and nausea. Antacids if consumed in a high dose, it can lead to acid rebound. Acid rebound is the condition when a lot of acid after having food and drinks has been consumed.

Note:
Some popular antacids known to us include calcium carbonates, Pepto-Bismol, magnesium hydroxide, Aluminum hydroxide, Gavison, Gelusil, Maalox , Mylanta etc. These antacids help in neutralizing the acid in our stomach by maintaining the pH.