How do over-the counter calcium carbonate or magnesium carbonate antacid medications work
Calcium carbonate (CaCO3 ) and magnesium carbonate (MgCO3) are 2 of the most common compounds found in many commercial OTC antacids. Antacids are basically known as base or alkaline and therefore are capable to neutralize acids. They worked by effectively neutralizing the acid mainly known as Hydrochloric acid (HCl) secreted in the stomach. When in excess, HCl can bring what we call hyperacidity or heartburn. HCl is actually an important compound found in gastric juices and is being secreted in the stomach for the enzyme pepsin to catalyze the digestion of proteins.
Antacids moreover are also known as weak bases as they have pH level of 10 and considering the highest is pH level of 14. Antacids do helped reduce the level of acids in the stomach, but since HCl is an important part of the gastric juice the antacids need not be too strong to neutralize the acids.
In the process of neutralization acids are known to release H or hydrogen ions while bases release OH-. This would result in producing either water (H2O) and even salts. Chemical reaction will then take place in the stomach and the HCl will be reduced through neutralization. After which, it can release either water, salt or even carbon dioxide gas such as in this sample chemical formula or equation of CaCO3 2HCl CaCl2 H2O CO2.
Calcium carbonate (CaCO3 ) and magnesium carbonate (MgCO3) are 2 of the most common compounds found in many commercial OTC antacids. Antacids are basically known as base or alkaline and therefore are capable to neutralize acids. They worked by effectively neutralizing the acid mainly known as Hydrochloric acid (HCl) secreted in the stomach. When in excess, HCl can bring what we call hyperacidity or heartburn. HCl is actually an important compound found in gastric juices and is being secreted in the stomach for the enzyme pepsin to catalyze the digestion of proteins.
Antacids moreover are also known as weak bases as they have pH level of 10 and considering the highest is pH level of 14. Antacids do helped reduce the level of acids in the stomach, but since HCl is an important part of the gastric juice the antacids need not be too strong to neutralize the acids.
In the process of neutralization acids are known to release H or hydrogen ions while bases release OH-. This would result in producing either water (H2O) and even salts. Chemical reaction will then take place in the stomach and the HCl will be reduced through neutralization. After which, it can release either water, salt or even carbon dioxide gas such as in this sample chemical formula or equation of CaCO3 2HCl CaCl2 H2O CO2.
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