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Antacids

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

There are two types of antacids:

  • alkaline salts which neutralises the gastric acid:
    • aluminium salts
    • magnesium salts
    • sodium bicarbonate

  • foaming agents:
    • alginates form an antacid raft over the stomach contents and may coat the stomach

These products may be used in combination:

  • aluminium/magnesium combination:
    • aluminium causes constipation
    • magnesium causes diarrhoea
    • the combination may cause fewer gastrointestinal side-effects

  • sodium + aluminium + magnesium + alginate is marketed as Gaviscon

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