Antacid

An antacid is a chemical that is swallowed in order to buffer gastric acid, raising the pH to reduce acid damage and relieve heartburn. Some also adsorb bile salts. Common types are:

• Aluminum hydroxide (Amphojel^®, AlternaGEL^®)
• Magnesium hydroxide (Phillips’^® Milk of Magnesia)
• Aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide (Maalox^®, Mylanta^®)
• Aluminum carbonate gel (Basajel^®)
• Calcium carbonate (Tums^®, Titralac^®, Calcium Rich Rolaids^®)
• Sodium bicarbonate (Bicarbonate of soda)