Question

What is an example of an antacid?

Answer 1

Sodium bicarbonate `NaHCO_3`, calcium bicarbonate `CaHCO_3`, aluminum hydroxide `Al(OH)_3`, magnesium hydroxide `Mg(OH)_2`

Explanation:

Calcium bicarbonate `CaHCO_3` is a common ingredient in antacids like Tums. It acts as a buffer to raise the pH in the stomach so that if acid reflux does occur, it is not as uncomfortable and damaging to the esophagus. Other common antacids are sodium bicarbonate `NaHCO_3`, aluminum hydroxide `Al(OH)_3`, magnesium hydroxide `Mg(OH)_2`.

I found a good source that talks a bit more about antacids. It told me about the hydroxides which I hadn't originally considered in the group. http://www.heartburn.com/reliefandmanagement/antacids.aspx