Question

What are antacids? Name two compounds that are used as antacids.

Answer 1

1. Antacids are a class of medicines that neutralize acidity in the stomach.
2. Antacids are mild alkaline or basic in nature.
3. Due to hyperacidity more hydrochloric acid $\left(\mathrm{HCl}\right)$ is released into the stomach which decreases the pH of the stomach and causes indigestion, pain, irritation, and heartburn.
4. When we intake antacid it neutralizes the ions released by hydrochloric acid and brings the pH of the stomach to normal and gives relief from pain, indigestion, irritation, and heartburn.
5. Compounds used as antacids are magnesium hydroxide $\mathbf{\left[}\mathbf{Mg}{\left(\mathrm{OH}\right)}_{\mathbf{2}}\mathbf{\right]}$, popularly known as 'Milk of Magnesia', and sodium hydrogen carbonate $\mathbf{\left(}{\mathbf{NaHCO}}_{\mathbf{3}}\mathbf{\right)}$.