Question

Give reason: Antacid tablets are used by a person suffering from acidity.

Answer 1

Hint: During digestion of food, the stomach secretes hydrochloric acid and sometimes, there is hyperacidity due to excessive secretion of hydrochloric acid. So, these acids need to be neutralized by a base. Here, you can draw the reason behind the use from the name itself.

Complete step by step solution:
First of all, let us define what antacids are.
So, the category of drugs that neutralizes stomach acids is known as antacids. These tablets contain ingredients like calcium, sodium bicarbonate, aluminium and magnesium which acts like alkalis or bases to oppose the acids produced in the stomach i.e. hydrochloric acid and thereby making the pH neutral.
Thus, we can say from the term “antacids” i.e. anti and acids, which means it will show a contrasting effect to acids. So, if we say antacids are the opposite of acids, it means that antacids will be basic in nature.
Thus, when there is excessive release of acids in the stomach there is a need for a base to neutralize the condition and here antacids play a key role in neutralizing the pH thereby acting as a base.
Hence, people suffering from excessive acidity are prescribed to take antacids which will act as a base and will make the condition stable.

Note: When high doses of antacids are taken for an extended period, it can lead to a problem called an acid “rebound”, where the stomach will release more acid. Thus, remember antacids should not be taken on your own but should be taken with a doctor’s consultation.