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Antacids describe several classes of drugs that prevent stomach acid from building up in the stomach. They're used by a variety of patients with ailments ranging from heartburn to acid reflux disease to gastric ulcers.

They generally fall into these types:

  • Bases: These are substances with a high alkali content, one of the most common being baking soda. These neutralize existing acid through a chemical reaction where the acid combines with the base to form water and salt.
  • Proton-pump inhibitors: These drugs restrict the ability of the stomach to produce acid by slowing down the reaction that strips protons from electrons to create the acid.
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