**2. Antacid therapy**

Antacids are medications that neutralize stomach acid, thereby increasing gastric pH [9]. Common brands of antacids, which are available over-the-counter, include Maalox®, Rolaids®, Tums®, and Gaviscon® [9]. The various properties of these different products are listed in **Table 1** [9]. Antacids are available in different formulations, which commonly include aluminum, calcium, or magnesium salts. Aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide salts neutralize gastric acid, forming aluminum or magnesium salts and water. The antacids increase gastric pH and inhibit pepsin activity [9]. Aluminum hydroxide's therapeutic effect is 20–60 minutes when fasting or up to 3 hours, taking effect 1 hour after meals [9]. Magnesium hydroxide's duration of action occurs from 30 minutes to 6 hours after administration [9]. Calcium salts


**Table 1.**

*Dosing and duration of available antacids [5, 6, 10, 11].*
