What are antacids?

That burning feeling in your chest after a big meal is awful. Heartburn can ruin your day and make you feel terrible. Antacids work fast to neutralize stomach acid and bring quick relief.

Antacids are medicines that counteract stomach acid to relieve indigestion and heartburn. They work by using a basic compound, like aluminum hydroxide or calcium carbonate, to neutralize the excess hydrochloric acid produced by your stomach, providing fast-acting relief.

At my factory in Henan, one of the main products we make is aluminum hydroxide. It’s a key active ingredient in many liquid antacids sold worldwide. When I talk with buyers like Mr. Park from Korea, whose company distributes pharmaceutical raw materials, explaining how our product provides relief is very important. He needs to know the science behind the products he sells. So, let’s look closer at what these common medicines are all about.

What are examples of antacids?

The pharmacy aisle for stomach relief is confusing. There are so many brands, types, and flavors. Knowing the main active ingredients helps you choose the right one for your specific needs.

Common examples of antacids are based on simple mineral compounds. These include calcium carbonate (Tums), sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), and combinations like aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide (Mylanta, Maalox). These ingredients are the active agents that neutralize stomach acid.

The active ingredient determines how an antacid works and its potential side effects. For example, aluminum hydroxide¹, which we produce, works slowly but provides long-lasting relief. It’s often combined with magnesium hydroxide. The magnesium works faster but can have a laxative effect, while the aluminum can be constipating. Combining them balances these effects. Calcium carbonate, like in Tums², is very popular. It’s fast-acting and also provides calcium. However, it can sometimes cause a rebound effect where the stomach produces even more acid later. Sodium bicarbonate is very fast but high in sodium, which is not good for everyone. For Mr. Park’s pharmaceutical distribution, understanding these differences is vital for marketing to different types of consumers.

Comparing Common Antacid Ingredients

Is Pepto Bismol an antacid?

You have an upset stomach and grab the famous pink liquid. You think it’s just for heartburn, but it also helps with diarrhea. This can be confusing; what exactly is it?

No, Pepto-Bismol is not primarily an antacid, although it has a mild acid-neutralizing effect. Its main active ingredient is bismuth subsalicylate. This ingredient works by coating the stomach lining and has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, treating different issues than a standard antacid.

Pepto-Bismol is in a different class of medicine. True antacids, like the aluminum hydroxide we produce, have a simple mission: neutralize acid. They are bases that chemically react with the acid in your stomach.

Antacid vs. Stomach Coater

Pepto-Bismol’s ingredient, bismuth subsalicylate, is more complex. The "bismuth" part coats and protects your stomach lining. The "subsalicylate" part is related to aspirin and works to reduce inflammation and fluid secretion in your gut, which is why it’s effective for diarrhea. While it can neutralize a small amount of acid, that is a side benefit, not its main purpose. This is why it’s marketed for "nausea, heartburn³, indigestion⁴, upset stomach, diarrhea." It’s a broader-spectrum remedy, whereas a product like Maalox, which contains our type of product, is a targeted acid-neutralizing specialist.

Are Tums antacids?

Tums are everywhere, and they taste like candy. You might wonder if they are a serious medicine for heartburn. Are they just a placebo, or do they really work as advertised?

Yes, Tums are definitively an antacid. Their single active ingredient is calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), a basic compound. When it reaches the stomach, it rapidly reacts with and neutralizes hydrochloric acid, providing very fast relief from heartburn. It is one of the most common types of antacids.

Tums’ effectiveness comes from its simplicity. Calcium carbonate is a potent and fast-acting base. It dissolves quickly in stomach acid⁵, providing almost immediate relief, which is a major selling point.

Speed vs. Duration

This is different from the aluminum hydroxide we make, which reacts more slowly but provides a longer-lasting effect. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference for speed versus duration. However, there is a potential downside to calcium carbonate called "acid rebound⁶." Some studies suggest that after the initial effect wears off, the stomach can be stimulated to produce even more acid. Another consideration is the high dose of calcium, which can be a benefit for some but a problem for others. This is why doctors sometimes recommend alternating between different types of antacids to balance their effects.

What foods have antacids in them?

You don’t want to reach for a pill every time you feel a little heartburn. Relying on medicine too much can feel unnatural. Are there any foods that can naturally help?

Strictly speaking, no food is a chemical antacid like a medicine. However, some foods can provide relief. Alkaline foods like bananas or melons can help counteract acid, while high-fiber foods⁷ like oatmeal can absorb it. A glass of milk may also provide temporary soothing.

While medicines provide a direct chemical neutralization, certain foods can manage acid in different ways. They don’t have an active ingredient like our aluminum hydroxide, but they can still help. Alkaline foods, which have a higher pH, can help balance out the very acidic environment of your stomach. Think of ripe bananas, melons, and cauliflower. High-fiber foods like oatmeal and brown rice don’t neutralize acid, but they can absorb it, preventing it from splashing up into your esophagus. Water-rich foods like celery and cucumber can help dilute the stomach acid. It is important to know that some common recommendations, like milk, can backfire. While it soothes initially, its fat and protein content can later stimulate more acid production.

How Different Foods Help Manage Acid

Conclusion

Antacids are a diverse group of medicines that neutralize stomach acid using ingredients like aluminum hydroxide. While some foods offer relief, they work differently from these specialized chemical compounds.