Antacids
Class: Antacids and Adsorbents
- Antiulcer Agents
ATC Class: A02A
VA Class: GA209
CAS Number: 53547-27-6
Brands: Alamag, Alamag Plus, Alka-Mints, Alka-Seltzer Gold Effervescent Antacid, Almacone, Almacone II Hi-Potency, ALternaGEL, Alu-Cap, Alu-Tab, Amphojel, Basaljel, Chooz, Citrocarbonate Granules, Di-Gel, Gaviscon, Gaviscon Extra Strength, Genaton, Kudrox, Lowsium, Lowsium Plus, Maalox, Maalox Advanced Regular Strength, Maalox Advanced Maximum Strength, Maalox Antacid/Anti-Gas Maximum Strength, Maalox Max Quick Dissolve Chewables Antacid/Antigas Maximum Strength, Maalox Quick Dissolve Chewables, Maalox Quick Dissolve Chewables Maximum Strength, Maalox TC, Mag-Al, Mag-Al Plus, Mag-Al XS, Mag-Ox, Marblen, Milk of Magnesia, Mygel, Mygel II, Mylanta, Mylanta Children’s Upset Stomach Relief, Mylanta Fast-Acting, Mylanta Fast-Acting Double Strength, Mylanta Fast-Acting Maximum Strength, Mylanta Supreme Fast Acting, Pepcid Complete, Phillips’ Milk of Magnesia, Riopan Plus, Riopan Plus Double Strength, Rolaids Antacid, Rulox, Tempo, Titralac Extra Strength, Titralac Plus, Titralac Regular, Tums Antacid/Calcium Supplement, Tums E-X Antacid/Calcium Supplement, Tums Ultra Antacid/Calcium Supplement, Uro-Mag
Introduction
Inorganic salts that partially neutralize gastric hydrochloric acid.
Uses for Antacids
Peptic Ulcers
Adjunct to other drugs (e.g., anti-infectives, histamine H2-receptor antagonists, proton-pump inhibitors) for the relief of peptic ulcer pain and to promote the healing of peptic ulcers.
Because of the inconvenience of the regimens needed to promote ulcer healing, high recurrence rate, ineffectiveness in eradicating Helicobacter pylori, palatability issues, and adverse effects, antacids rarely are used alone any longer for the treatment of peptic ulcer disease. Instead, antacids currently are used principally as an adjunct to other antiulcer regimens for as-needed (prn) relief of peptic ulcer pain.
Acid Indigestion
Self-medication for the relief of acid indigestion (dyspepsia), heartburn, and sour stomach and/or bloating (commonly referred as gas).
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Self-medication for the relief of mild forms of GERD (e.g., symptoms induced by a heartburn-inducing meal).
Antacids generally provide more rapid but less prolonged relief of GERD symptoms compared with histamine H2-receptor antagonists, and combined therapy generally is more effective than either class of drugs alone.
Consult a clinician if symptoms persist or warning signs of more severe GERD develop (e.g., dysphagia, bleeding, weight loss, choking [acid-induced cough, shortness of breath, and/or hoarseness], chest pain).
Other agents (e.g., histamine H2-receptor antagonists, proton-pump inhibitors) preferred by American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) and American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) for management of more severe forms of GERD.
Have been used for self-medication for the relief of breakthrough symptoms in patients receiving proton-pump inhibitors.
Hyperphosphatemia
Aluminum-containing antacids (except aluminum phosphate): Management of hyperphosphatemia or prevention of recurrent phosphatic renal calculi (in conjunction with a low phosphate diet).
Aluminum carbonate generally preferred to aluminum hydroxide for this use.
