NationMaster - Encyclopedia: Antacid

An antacid is any substance, generally a base, which counteracts stomach acidity. In other words, antacids are stomach acid neutralizers. Image File history File links Emblem-important. ... Wiktionary (a portmanteau of wiki and dictionary) is a multilingual, Web-based project to create a free content dictionary, available in over 151 languages. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (3434x2289, 322 KB) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Antacid Metadata This file contains additional information, probably added from the digital camera or scanner used to create... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (3434x2289, 322 KB) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Antacid Metadata This file contains additional information, probably added from the digital camera or scanner used to create... Gastric acid is, together with several enzymes and the intrinsic factor, one of the main secretions of the stomach. ... Neutralization is a chemical reaction, also called a water forming reaction, in which an acid and a base or alkali (soluble base) react and produce a salt and water. ...

Action mechanism

Antacids perform a neutralization reaction, i.e. they buffer gastric acid, raising the pH to reduce acidity in the stomach. When gastric hydrochloric acid reaches the nerves in the gastrointestinal mucosa, they signal pain to the central nervous system. This happens when these nerves are exposed, as in peptic ulcers. The gastric acid may also reach ulcers in the esophagus or the duodenum. A buffering agent adjusts the pH of a solution. ... Gastric acid is, together with several enzymes and the intrinsic factor, one of the main secretions of the stomach. ... For other uses, see PH (disambiguation). ... Hydrochloric acid is the aqueous solution of hydrogen chloride gas (HCl). ... A nerve is an enclosed, cable-like bundle of nerve fibers or axons, which includes the glia that ensheath the axons in myelin. ... The mucous membranes (or mucosa) are linings of ectodermic origin, covered in epithelium, that line various body cavities and internal organs. ... Pain redirects here. ... A benign gastric ulcer (from the antrum) of a gastrectomy specimen. ... The esophagus or oesophagus (see American and British English spelling differences), sometimes known as the gullet, is an organ in vertebrates which consists of a muscular tube through which food passes from the pharynx to the stomach. ... In anatomy of the digestive system, the duodenum is a hollow jointed tube about 25-30 cm long connecting the stomach to the jejunum. ...

Other mechanisms may contribute, such as the effect of aluminium ions inhibiting smooth muscle cell contraction and delaying gastric emptying.

Indications

Antacids are taken by mouth to relieve heartburn, the major symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease, or acid indigestion. Treatment with antacids alone is symptomatic and only justified for minor symptoms. Peptic ulcers may require H2-receptor antagonists or proton pump inhibitors. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD or GORD using the British Å“sophageal) is defined as chronic symptoms or mucosal damage produced by the abnormal reflux in the esophagus[1]. This is commonly due to transient or permanent changes in the barrier between the esophagus and the stomach. ... Acid indigestion is a type of indigestion involving an excess of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. ... A benign gastric ulcer (from the antrum) of a gastrectomy specimen. ... An H2-receptor antagonist, often shortened to H2-antagonist, is a drug used to block the action of histamine on parietal cells in the stomach, decreasing acid production by these cells. ... Proton pump inhibitors (or PPIs) are a group of drugs whose main action is pronounced and long-lasting reduction of gastric acid production. ...

The utility of many combinations of antacids is not clear, although the combination of magnesium and aluminium salts may prevent alteration of bowel habits.

Side effects

... Hypophosphatemia is an electrolyte disturbance in which there is an abnormally depleted level of phosphate in the blood. ... Osteomalacia is a softening of the bones, resulting from defective bone mineralisation. ... Aluminum redirects here. ... Renal failure is when the kidneys fail to function properly. ... Constipation or irregularity, is a condition of the digestive system where a person (or animal) experiences hard feces that are difficult to egest; it may be extremely painful, and in severe cases (fecal impaction) lead to symptoms of bowel obstruction. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with Milk of Magnesia. ... Laxatives (or purgatives) are foods, compounds, or drugs taken to induce bowel movements or to loosen the stool, most often taken to treat constipation. ... Renal failure or kidney failure is a situation in which the kidneys fail to function adequately. ... Hypermagnesemia is an electrolyte disturbance in which there is an abnormally elevated level of magnesium in the blood. ... Milk of Magnesia, or Magnesium Hydroxide, Mg(OH)2 is a saline osmotic (hydrating) laxative. ... Ball-and-stick model of the carbonate ion, CO32âˆ’ For other meanings, see Carbonate (disambiguation) In chemistry, a carbonate is a salt or ester of carbonic acid. ... Alkalosis refers to a condition reducing hydrogen ion concentration of arterial blood plasma. ... Kidney stones are solid accretions (crystals) of dissolved minerals in urine found inside the kidneys or ureters. ... Hydrochloric acid is the aqueous solution of hydrogen chloride gas (HCl). ... For other uses, see Calcium (disambiguation). ... Kidney stones, also known as nephrolithiases, urolithiases or renal calculi, are solid accretions (crystals) of dissolved minerals in urine found inside the kidneys or ureters. ... Constipation or irregularity, is a condition of the digestive system where a person (or animal) experiences hard feces that are difficult to egest; it may be extremely painful, and in severe cases (fecal impaction) lead to symptoms of bowel obstruction. ... Arterial hypertension, or high blood pressure is a medical condition where the blood pressure is chronically elevated. ...

Interactions

Altered pH or complex formation may alter the bioavailability of other drugs, such as tetracycline. Urinary excretion of certain drugs may also be affected. In pharmacology, bioavailability is used to describe the fraction of an administered dose of unchanged drug that reaches the systemic circulation, one of the principal pharmacokinetic properties of drugs. ... Tetracycline (INN) (IPA: ) is a broad-spectrum antibiotic produced by the streptomyces bacterium, indicated for use against many bacterial infections. ...

Problems with reduced stomach acidity

Reduced stomach acidity may result in an impaired ability to digest and absorb certain nutrients, such as iron and the B vitamins. Since the low pH of the stomach normally kills ingested bacteria, antacids increase the vulnerability to infection. It could also result in reduced bioavailability of some drugs. For example,the bioavailability of ketoconazole(antifungal),is reduced at high intragastric pH.(low acid content). For the industrial process, see anaerobic digestion. ... A nutrient is a substance used in an organisms metabolism which must be taken in from the environment. ... General Name, symbol, number iron, Fe, 26 Chemical series transition metals Group, period, block 8, 4, d Appearance lustrous metallic with a grayish tinge Standard atomic weight 55. ... Vitamin B is a complex of several vitamins. ...

Drug names

Aluminium hydroxide, Al(OH)3, is the most stable form of aluminium in normal conditions. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with Milk of Magnesia. ... Milk of Magnesia, or Magnesium Hydroxide, Mg(OH)2 is a saline osmotic (hydrating) laxative. ... Calcium carbonate is a chemical compound, with the chemical formula CaCO3. ... Flash point Non-flammable. ... ... Magaldrate (INN), is a common antiacid drug that is used for the treatment of duodenal and gastric ulcers, esophagitis from gastroesophageal reflux. ... Simethicone, is an oral anti-foaming agent used to reduce bloating, discomfort and pain caused by excess gas in the stomach or intestinal tract. ... The Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification System is used for the classification of drugs. ... Gut redirects here. ... A section of the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification System. ... An antiemetic is a drug that is effective against vomiting and nausea. ... An H2-receptor antagonist, often shortened to H2-antagonist, is a drug used to block the action of histamine on parietal cells in the stomach, decreasing acid production by these cells. ... Proton pump inhibitors (or PPIs) are a group of drugs whose main action is pronounced and long-lasting reduction of gastric acid production. ... Laxatives (or purgatives) are foods, compounds, or drugs taken to induce bowel movements or to loosen the stool, most often taken to treat constipation. ... An antidiarrhoeal drug is any medication which provides symptomatic relief for diarrhoea. ... For other uses, see Blood (disambiguation). ... A section of the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification System. ... An anticoagulant is a substance that prevents coagulation; that is, it stops blood from clotting. ... An antiplatelet drug is a member of a class of pharmaceuticals that decreases platelet aggregation and inhibits thrombus formation. ... Thrombolytic drugs are used in medicine to dissolve blood clots in a procedure termed thrombolysis. ... The circulatory system or cardiovascular system is the organ system which circulates blood around the body of most animals. ... A section of the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification System. ... Antiarrhythmic agents are a group of pharmaceuticals that are used to suppress fast rhythms of the heart (cardiac arrhythmias), such as atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, ventricular tachycardia, and ventricular fibrillation. ... Antihypertensives are a class of drugs that are used in medicine and pharmacology to treat hypertension (high blood pressure). ... This illustration shows where some types of diuretics act, and what they do. ... A vasodilator is a drug or chemical that relaxes the smooth muscle in blood vessels, which causes them to dilate. ... An antianginal is any drug used in the treatment of angina pectoris, a symptom of ischaemic heart disease. ... Beta blockers or beta-adrenergic blocking agents are a class of drugs used to treat a variety of cardiovascular conditions and some other diseases. ... Captopril, the first ACE inhibitor ACE inhibitors, or inhibitors of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme, are a group of pharmaceuticals that are used primarily in treatment of hypertension and congestive heart failure, in most cases as the drugs of first choice. ... Hypolipidemic agents, or antihyperlipidemic agents, are a diverse group of pharmaceuticals that are used in the treatment of hyperlipidemias. ... For other uses, see Skin (disambiguation). ... A section of the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification System. ... Emollients soften skin (and moisturisers add moisture). ... Antipruritics, also known as anti-itch drugs, are medications that inhibit the itching (Latin: pruritus) that is often associated with sunburns, allergic reactions, eczema, psoriasis, chickenpox, fungal infections, insect bites and stings like those from mosquitoes, fleas, and mites, and contact dermatitis and urticaria caused by plants such as poison... A pictorial illustration of the human female reproductive system. ... A section of the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification System. ... Hormonal contraception refers to birth control methods that act on the hormonal system. ... Fertility medication may in a larger sense include any medication that enhances fertility, but in a specific sense consists of agents that stimulate follicle development of the ovary. ... Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) is a class of medication that acts on the estrogen receptor. ... Sex hormones are hormones that affect the reproductive system. ... The endocrine system is an integrated system of small organs that involve the release of extracellular signaling molecules known as hormones. ... A section of the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification System. ... An anti-diabetic drug or oral hypoglycemic agent is used to treat diabetes mellitus. ... In physiology, corticosteroids are a class of steroid hormones that are produced in the adrenal cortex. ... Sex hormones are hormones that affect the reproductive system. ... The thyroid hormones, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), are tyrosine-based hormones produced by the thyroid gland. ... An infection is the detrimental colonization of a host organism by a foreign species. ... A section of the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification System. ... A section of the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification System. ... Staphylococcus aureus - Antibiotics test plate. ... Antiviral drugs are a class of medication used specifically for treating viral infections. ... A vaccine is an antigenic preparation used to establish immunity to a disease. ... An antifungal drug is medication used to treat fungal infections such as athletes foot, ringworm, candidiasis (thrush), serious systemic infections such as cryptococcal meningitis, and others. ... Antiprotozoal agents (ATC code: ATC P01) is a class of pharmaceuticals used in treatment of protozoal infections. ... Anthelmintics (in the U.S., antihelminthics) are drugs that expel parasitic worms (helminthes) from the body or kill them. ... In medicine, malignant is a clinical term that means to be severe and become progressively worse, as in malignant hypertension. ... A scanning electron microscope image of a single neutrophil (yellow), engulfing anthrax bacteria (orange). ... A section of the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification System. ... Chemotherapy is the use of chemical substances to treat disease. ... Immunostimulators are the drugs which stimulate the immune system by inducing activation or increasing activity of any of its components. ... For a list of immunosuppressive drugs, see the transplant rejection page. ... For other uses of Muscles, see Muscles (disambiguation). ... This article is about the skeletal organs. ... For other uses, see Joint (disambiguation). ... A section of the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification System. ... Crystal structure of human sex hormone-binding globulin, transporting 5-alpha-dihydrotestosterone. ... Anti-inflammatory refers to the property of a substance or treatment that reduces inflammation. ... Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs is a category of drugs used in many autoimmune diseases to slow down disease progression. ... In physiology, corticosteroids are a class of steroid hormones that are produced in the adrenal cortex. ... A muscle relaxant is a drug which decreases the tone of a muscle. ... Human brain In animals, the brain (enkephale) (Greek for in the skull), is the control center of the central nervous system, responsible for behavior. ... The nervous system is a highly specialized network whose principal components are nerves called neurons. ... A section of the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification System. ... Anesthesia or anaesthesia (see spelling differences) has traditionally meant the condition of having the perception of pain and other sensations blocked. ... An analgesic (colloquially known as a painkiller) is any member of the diverse group of drugs used to relieve pain (achieve analgesia). ... The anticonvulsants, sometimes also called antiepileptics, belong to a diverse group of pharmaceuticals used in prevention of the occurrence of epileptic seizures. ... A mood stabilizer is a psychiatric medication used to treat mood disorders characterized by rapid and unstable mood shifts. ... An anxiolytic is a drug prescribed for the treatment of symptoms of anxiety. ... The term antipsychotic is applied to a group of drugs used to treat psychosis. ... Prozac, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, Venlafaxine An antidepressant is a psychiatric medication or other substance (nutrient or herb) used for alleviating depression or dysthymia (milder depression). ... Stimulants are drugs that temporarily increase alertness and wakefulness. ... A sedative is a substance that depresses the central nervous system (CNS), resulting in calmness, relaxation, reduction of anxiety, sleepiness, and slowed breathing, as well as slurred speech, staggering gait, poor judgment, and slow, uncertain reflexes. ... Among quadrupeds, the respiratory system generally includes tubes, such as the bronchi, used to carry air to the lungs, where gas exchange takes place. ... A section of the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification System. ... A bronchodilator is a medication intended to improve bronchial airflow. ... A decongestant is a broad class of drugs designed to symptomatically treat ailments affecting the respiratory system. ... A division of the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification System A Alimentary tract and metabolism A02A Antacids A02AA Magnesium compounds A02AA01 Magnesium carbonate A02AA02 Magnesium oxide A02AA03 Magnesium peroxide A02AA04 Magnesium hydroxide A02AA05 Magnesium silicate A02AA10 Combinations A02AB Aluminium compounds A02AB01 Aluminium hydroxide A02AB02 Algeldrate A02AB03 Aluminium phosphate A02AB04 Dihydroxialumini sodium... General Name, symbol, number magnesium, Mg, 12 Chemical series alkaline earth metals Group, period, block 2, 3, s Appearance silvery white solid at room temp Standard atomic weight 24. ... Magnesium carbonate, MgCO3, is a white solid that occurs in nature as a mineral. ... Magnesium oxide, or magnesia, is a white solid mineral that occurs naturally as periclase and is a source of magnesium. ... R-phrases S-phrases , Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 Â°C, 100 kPa) Infobox disclaimer and references Magnesium peroxide is a fine powder peroxide with a white to white-off color. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with Milk of Magnesia. ... Aluminum redirects here. ... Aluminium hydroxide, Al(OH)3, is the most stable form of aluminium in normal conditions. ... Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 Â°C, 100 kPa) Infobox disclaimer and references Aluminium phosphate (AlPO4) is a chemical compound. ... For other uses, see Calcium (disambiguation). ... Calcium carbonate is a chemical compound, with the chemical formula CaCO3. ... Calcium silicate, otherwise known as slag, has a low bulk density and high physical water absorption. ...

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