Antacids
Antacids
Antacids (/ænˈtæsɪdz/) are a class of medicines that neutralize acid in the stomach. They contain ingredients such as aluminium, calcium, magnesium, or sodium bicarbonate which act as bases (alkaline) to counteract stomach acid and make its pH more neutral.
Etymology
The term "antacid" is derived from the Latin word 'anti' meaning 'against' and the English word 'acid', referring to its function against acid in the stomach.
Types of Antacids
There are several types of antacids, including:
Each type of antacid has different uses and side effects.
Uses
Antacids are used to relieve the symptoms of GERD, peptic ulcer disease, and occasional heartburn. They are also used in the treatment of conditions where the stomach produces too much acid, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
Side Effects
Common side effects of antacids include diarrhea and constipation. Some antacids can lead to an electrolyte imbalance, especially if they are taken in large amounts or for a long period of time.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Antacids
- Wikipedia's article - Antacids
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