The effect of various antacids on the hydrogen-ion concentration of the gastric contents

Abstract

The neutralizing influence of various commonly used antacids was investigated in a total of 290 experiments performed on 25 patients with healing duodenal ulcer. The hydrogen-ion concentration of the gastric contents removed hourly was determined by the glass electrode method. Control studies were made with a general diet and with hourly feedings of a three-ounce mixture of milk and cream. The alkalies were administered hourly; they included calcium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate in varying amounts, calcium carbonate alone, aluminum hydroxide, tricalsate, tribasic calcium phosphate, and magnesium trisilicate The effect of atropine on gastric acidity when given alone and in conjunction with various antacids, was also studied. Some of the results were compared with the results of 329 experiments in which the free HCl was determined by the usual titration method. Pertinent clinical and experimental reports are reviewed.