Antacids are prescription drugs that neutralize stomach acid and relieve heartburn and acid reflux symptoms. These uncomfortable and irritating symptoms arise from refluxing stomach acid into the esophagus. Antacids relieve these symptoms in a few different ways:

Acid Neutralization: Antacids work by reacting excess stomach acid with alkaline substances like calcium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide, or aluminum hydroxide to produce neutral substances like salt and water. By increasing the pH of the stomach’s contents, this neutralization process lessens the acidity of the stomach’s contents and eases the searing pain that comes with acid reflux and heartburn.

Protection of the Esophagus: Antacids work to lessen the acidity of refluxed food particles that enter the esophagus by neutralizing stomach acid.

Promotion of Mucosal repair: By lessening the acidity of the refluxed contents and fostering a less hostile environment for the injured tissue, antacids can also aid in the repair of the esophageal mucosa. By doing so, symptoms may subside more quickly and consequences like erosions or ulcers in the esophagus may be avoided.

Temporary Relief: Although antacids quickly alleviate heartburn and acid reflux symptoms, their effects are somewhat transient when contrasted with those of other acid-suppressing drugs like proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or H2-receptor antagonists. Antacids are frequently taken as needed to treat sporadic symptoms and usually offer relief for a few hours after consumption.

It’s crucial to remember that although antacids can be useful in temporarily relieving mild to severe discomfort,