Antacids
An antacid is a medication taken by mouth for the purpose of relieving pain associated with acid indigestion, ulcers, and heartburn. The name "anti-acid" literally means "opposite acid"; with respect to the pH scale (which will be discussed later), the opposite of an acid is a base, so it is not surprising to learn that commercially sold antacids are basic, or alkaline. They work by neutralizing excess stomach acids created during the digestive process. Although over-the-counter antacids are generally free from side effects, a small percentage of people may experience a chalky taste, constipation, diarrhea, increased thirst, or stomach cramps. Since many antacids coat the stomach as part of the acid-neutralization process, they often interact with and prevent the proper absorption of some other medications. To prevent this from happening, a person should take the antacid at least one hour before or after taking the other medication. Some common household antacids include Tums, Rolaids, Maalox, Mylanta, and Baking Soda. All alkaline antacids possess at least one of the following active ingredients: aluminum, calcium, magnesium, sodium, or simethicone. Although some newer antacids (like Zantac and Pepcid) work by suppressin
The trisilicate, hydroxide, and oxide salts of magnesium are very common ingredients in antacids. Phillips' Milk of Magnesia (magnesium hydroxide) is directed for the treatment and relief of dyspepsia, reflux oesophagitis, and peptic ulcers. Magnesium hydroxide is also used as a food additive to keep canned peas green and processed cheese smooth and bright. Aside from its uses as an antacid and a food additive, magnesium is commonly used for its laxative properties. Once inside the stomach, the magnesium hydroxide absorbs water from surrounding blood vessels and thereby softens the feces. However, the laxative dosage is significantly more than the recommended dosage when using as an antacid, which is 400-1200mg. Because of its laxative characteristics, magnesium is usually combined with aluminum in commercial antacids; the constipating effects of aluminum tend to cancel out the effects of magnesium. Magnesium may also be used in conjunction with a low-phosphate diet to treat hyperphosphatemia (too much phosphate in the blood) or to prevent the formation of some kinds of kidney stones. However, if magnesium-containing laxatives or antacids are used too frequently, an overload of magnesium in the blood stream (hypermagnesemia) can occur and cause blood pressure to drop, leading to respiratory and/or cardiac depression (Cramer www.familyhaven.com). Magnesium hydroxide is generally safe, but people with kidney disease should abstain from using it. The symptoms from a magnesium overdose usually include difficult/painful urination, dizziness or light-headedness, irregular heartbeat, mood or mental changes, and unusual tiredness or weakness (www.healthsquare.com). Sodium bicarbonate, which makes up 100% of Arm & Hammer Baking Soda, is referred to as an "alkaline salt", meaning it has the ability to neutralize (counteract) acids. Sodium bicarbonate has many medical applications, such as to correct acidosis in people with kidney disorders and to alkalize urine during treatment for bladder infections. It is also used in gout treatments to minimize the crystallization of uric acid. Sodium bicarbonate is combined with aspirin and citric acid to make Alka-Seltzer, a mild antacid and painkiller. When using sodium bicarbonate as an antacid, the recommended dosage is 1/8 teaspoon, or 2000mg. Athletes have been using sodium bicarbonate for years as an ergogenic aid in sports that require the utilization of fast-twitch muscles (sprints, etc.). Although there isn't tremendous scientific evidence to this effect, it is said that the sodium bicarbonate combats fatigue by neutralizing lactic acid buildup in the muscles (www.supplementwatch.com). Side effects for this drug are minimal, but some people may exper
Some common words found in the essay are:
Alimentary Canal, Baking Soda, Milk Magnesia, GI Tract, GERD GERD, , Zantac Pepcid, sodium bicarbonate, Regular Strength, magnesium hydroxide, stomach acid, calcium carbonate, blood pressure, baking soda, recommended dosage, active ingredient, esophagus stomach, using antacid, Hammer Baking, Phillips' Milk, recommended dosage using, calcium calcium derivatives, dosage using antacid, hammer baking soda, arm hammer baking,
Approximate Word count = 1837
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page double spaced)
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