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Antacids »

What are antacids, and how do they work?

Antacids are a class of drugs used to treat conditions caused by the acid that is produced by the stomach. The stomach naturally secretes an acid called hydrochloric acid that helps to break down proteins. This acid causes the contents of the stomach to be acidic in nature, with a pH level of 2 or 3. (pH levels are a measure of acidity in the stomach: the lower the number, the greater the acidity.) The stomach, duodenum, and esophagus are protected from acid by several protective mechanisms. When there is too much acid or protective mechanisms are inadequate, the lining of the stomach, duodenum or esophagus may become damaged by the acid, giving rise to various gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, heartburn (due to gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD), and other gastro-esophageal symptoms.

Antacids reduce acidity by neutralizing (counteracting) acid, reducing the acidity in the stomac...

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