Abstract
The prescribing physician is faced with a wide choice of antacid preparations. To provide a guide, we tested the commonly available antacids, both liquid and tablet, for their acid-neutralizing capacity. We calculated the cost effectiveness of antacids and tabulated the cost of 1 month of therapy. The acid-neutralizing capacity and cost effectiveness of liquid antacids are generally better than tablet antacids. The most effective liquid antacids, which are composed of either aluminum and magnesium hydroxide mixtures or calcium carbonate, vary in buffering capacity from 3 to 4.2 meq/mL of antacid and range in monthly cost of therapy from $35 to $74. In contrast, the five least effective liquid antacids vary in acid-neutralizing capacity from 0.3 to 2.3 meq/mL of antacid and in monthly cost of therapy from $78 to $498. Because the monthly cost of therapy is influenced primarily by the acid-neutralizing capacity of the antacid, a high-potency antacid should be prescribed. The taste and sodium content of the antacids should also be taken into account by the prescribing physician.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.