Question

Write a short note on Antacids.

Answer 1

Antacids : Over production of acid in the stomach causes irritation and pain. In severe cases, ulcers are developed in the stomach. The substances which neutralise the excess acid and raise the $\mathrm{pH}$ to an appropriate level in stomach are called antacids.

Antacids contain sodium hydrogencarbonate or a mixture of magnesium hydroxide and aluminium hydroxide.

However, hydrogen carbonate, if taken in excess can make the stomach alkaline and trigger the production of more $\mathrm{HCl}$ in stomach.

Thus, metal hydroxides are better options because being insoluble, they cannot change the $\mathrm{pH}$ beyond 7 .