Question

What are Antacids? Give one example.

Answer 1

Hint: We know that many organic substances are used for medicinal purposes as they possess healing properties. Likewise, antacids are also medicines. Though the name ends with the suffix acids, it is not an acid. The antacids are acid reflux which acts as a base (alkalis).

Complete step by step answer:
It is majorly used in medical applications due to its basic property. It is available in the stores and its intake varies in different forms. It is available in liquid form, tablets and also dissolvable tablets form.
Antacids work on the mechanism to produce basicity in the stomach which balances the acidity and cure the harmful effects produced due to acidity in the stomach.
In the stomach, sometimes there is excessive gas produced which can harm the natural mucous lining of the stomach. This effect can damage the inner stomach and esophagus as well.
The basic (alkaline) ions present in antacids neutralizes the acids and hence reduces the damage.
Some very popular and most used examples of antacids are – Maalox, Mylanta, Rolaids, Gelusil, calcium carbonate, aluminium hydroxide gel, etc.

Note: Though antacids are healing agents used to cure acidity, excessive use can cause side effects and allergic conditions as well. Antacids are safe in most cases. But it can affect people with medical disorders. Especially people with kidney failure must consult a doctor before taking antacids. As they can develop aluminium toxicity which is developed due to kidney failure. Before taking antacids it is necessary to consult a doctor and intake according to the direction of dosage. If not used in the correct proportion, it can cause constipation and also induce allergic reactions to some people. Excess use can cause overdose of calcium as well.