Evaluation of the acid-neutralizing capacity and other properties of antacids marketed in Morocco

Aim. The aim of this study was to evaluate the acid-neutralizing capacity (ANC) and other properties of antacid drugs marketed in Morocco. Methods. Samples of 12 antacids were collected from pharmacies and were subjected to the test described in the US Pharmacopoeia in order to measure their ANC. Other properties such as price and sodium content were also studied. Results. All the tested brands met the minimal requirement of 5 mEq. However, Aluminum hydroxide/Magnesium hydroxide combinations showed a superior acid-neutralizing capacity over other products and oral suspensions showed better results compared to other pharmaceutical forms. Regarding the cost of antacids, Aluminum hydroxide/Magnesium hydroxide combinations and calcium carbonate/magnesium carbonate combinations showed the most favorable ANC/price ratio. Some of the antacids studied contain a high amount of sodium. Conclusion. All the antacids marketed in Morocco meet the USP requirement regarding their ANC. However, the ANC value should be included in the antacids’ labels so that both patients and physicians can choose the most appropriate product. The ANC value should be evaluated according to the dose of the active substance instead of the minimum labeled dosage in order to allow a better result interpretation.

Study of acid-neutralizing capacity of the Dniester River under winter low-water conditions

The resistance to acidification of the Dniester water was tested by the method of potentiometric titration. Water samples were collected on the right bank of the Dniester River within the territory of the Republic of Moldova in February 2020. The acid-neutralising capacity values obtained (ANC) were compared with the critical acid load (CAL), which makes it possible to assess the habitat conditions for any group of hydrobionts whose resistance to acidification is known.

Comparison of Acid-neutralizing capacity of antacids in Erbil City

Background and objective: Antacids are basic substances that can neutralize hydrochloric acid and reduce gastric acidity. They are over the counter drugs used to treat dyspepsia. The most commonly used antacids are sodium bicarbonate, magnesium hydroxide, aluminum hydroxide, and calcium carbonate. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of antacids that are commonly used in Erbil city by finding their acid-neutralizing capacity. Methods: The method for acid-neutralizing capacity was adapted from pharmacopeia. The samples were prepared by dissolving the antacid in an excess amount of hydrochloric acid, then neutralizing the excess acid with sodium hydroxide solution by doing back titration. The number of milliequivalents that are neutralized by the antacid is the acid-neutralizing capacity of the antacid. Results: Rennie® chewable tablet showed the highest acid-neutralizing capacity, followed by AntacidAwa and Maalux® plus. The lowest acid-neutralizing capacity was for the suspensions Gaviscon® and Enoxon®. Conclusion: Acid-neutralizing capacity is an easy and quick method to evaluate the efficacy of antacids. Different combinations of salts and concentrations can affect the acid-neutralizing capacity of the antacid. The higher the neutralizing effect of the antacid, the more effective the antacid is. Keywords: Acid-neutralizing capacity; Antacid; pH; Dyspepsia; Erbil.

Evaluation of Antacid Potential of Ayurvedic Poly-Herbal Formulation for Functional Dyspepsia

Aim: Ayurveda describes herbal or polyherbal or herbo-mineral medicines such as Avipattikar churna for treatment of Amlapitta, ajirna for centuries. Ayurvedic medicines are associated with limitations namely, palatability, stability and accuracy of dose. Ayurvedic medicines lack in adequate safety and efficacy evidence data. The aim of the study was to develop a stable and palatable Avipattikar suspension using recent formulation and analytical techniques. The study was also aimed at determination of acid neutralizing capacity of Avipattikar suspension and predicting its efficacy for treatment of Functional Dyspepsia and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disorder. Methods: Flocculated Avipattikar suspension was prepared using sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) as the suspending agent, sodium citrate as the flocculating agent, mannitol as a taste masking agent. Sodium carboxymethylcellulose, sodium citrate, Tween 80®, glycerin and mannitol were not used in Deflocculated Avipattikar suspension. The sedimentation volume, degree of flocculation, redispersibility and pH of the suspension was evaluated. The acid neutralization capacity of Avipattikar suspension was determined by Unite States Pharmacopoeia method. Results: The present study successfully demonstrated formulation of stable Avipattikar suspension from Avipattikar churna. The suspendability of sediment was retained for 15 days in presence of CMC. The results indicated that the acid neutralizing capacity of Avipattikar suspension (2.80 mMol of H+/ gm) was similar to that of the marketed antacid suspension (2.756 mMol of H+/ gm). The unpleasant taste of herbal drugs was masked satisfactorily. Conclusion: Avipattikar suspension may be a cheaper, safer and effective alternative for current antacids for the treatment of functional dyspepsia.

Effect of exchanged MgAl-Hydrotalcite with carbonate on increases of acid neutralizing capacity: A good candidate as antacid

Background: In this study, we determined the acid neutralizing capacity (ANC) of Mg/Al-Hydrotalcite-like compounds. The MgAl-hydrotalcites were synthesized by co-precipitation method at room temperature using Mg/Al molar ratios 2 and 3. The synthesized bioactive nanomaterials were characterized by various physico-chemical techniques such as TG/dTG, DRX, FT-IR spectroscopy, BET/BHJ and MEB/EDX. The antacid activity assay was done by converting both synthesized samples into liquids, 1 g of which was added to 50 ml of deionized water at 37°C under vigorous agitation. The acid neutralizing capacity (ANC) was evaluated with 0.1N HCl. The pH was constantly measured using a pH meter and values were recorded every minute up to 35 min. In order to improve the neutralizing power of the samples, we performed on the MgAl-HT3 synthesized an exchange of chlorides by carbonates. The exchanged Mg/Al-Hydrotalcite (MgAl-HTE) shows a high acid neutralization capacity (up to 13.5 mEq/g). Objective: To synthesize an MgAl-hydrotalcite-like compounds and evaluation of their acid neutralizing capacity and thus can be good candidates for pharmaceutical applications as antacid drugs. Methods: Preparation of MgAl-hydrotalcite-like compounds by coprecipitation methods - Characterization of samples by physico-chemical techniques such as TG/dTG, DRX, FT-IR spectroscopy, BET/BHJ and MEB/EDX. - Evaluation of acid neutralizing capacity by titration procedure (Dose-titration) . Results: This protocol describes the preparation of MgAlhydrotalcite-like using the classical coprecipitation method. The synthesized samples were characterized by various physicochemical techniques such as TG/dTG, DRX, FT-IR spectroscopy, BET/BHJ and MEB/EDX. The as-synthetized samples were used for the evaluation of their acid-neutralizing capacity (ANC). Further, an exchanged MgAl-Hydrotalcite with carbonate was described for the purpose to increases the acid-neutralizing capacity. Conclusion: In summary, this study describes a simple synthesis of MgAl-Hydrotalcites compounds by a co-precipitation method at constant pH around 10, with a ratio Mg/Al = 3 and 2 (referred to as MgAl-HT3 and MgAl-HT2). An exchange of the chlorides (not eliminated by washing) by the carbonates was carried out on hydrotalcite with a ratio Mg/Al = 3 and the solid obtained was named MgAl-HT3E. The materials MgAl-HT2, MgAl-HT3 and MgAl-TH3E were used to evaluate their antacid activity. To this end, a study was conducted to determine the acid neutralizing capacity (ANC). As a result, the MgAl-HT3E was able to increase acid neutralizing capacity and maintaining an ideal pH. These results could be interesting to prepare novel antacid drugs (due to the low cost of synthesized materials) essentially the hydrotalcite of Mg/Al ratio equal to 3 because of its relatively slow kinetics of releasing basic species and therefore of its beneficial action as an antacid.

Comparison of two marketed effervescent fast relief formulations for antacid activity-an in vitro study

Background: Hyper-acidity is excessive formation of acid (pH=1.5-3.5) in the stomach by parietal cells which causes a burning sensation in the chest. The preservation of gastric acid insult is crucial because of the implications of hyperacidity in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcers and duodenal ulcers. Acidity is controlled by use of some over-the-counter (OTC) antacid formulations containing magnesium or aluminum hydroxides.Methods: In the present study, the preliminary antacid test (PAT), the pH acid neutralizing capacity (ANC), acid neutralizing potential (ANP) along with buffering capacity of two well-known quick release formulations (F1 [Digene Ultra Fizz] and F2 [a standard, commercially available product]) were determined. Results: According to US pharmacopeia USP, both the antacid formulations passed the PAT test. PAT results revealed that the pH of the acid-antacid solution was higher in F1 (8.20±0.02) as compared to F2, (6.53±0.01). The ANC results revealed that F1 (46.89±0.6 mEq/dosage) had higher neutralizing capacity as compared to F2(30.12±1.3 mEq/dosage). Higher ANP was observed for F1 (245 mins), and it was 2.7 times that of F2 (90 min). The onset of action for both the antacids was <2 seconds. Additionally, buffering capacity was evidently observed during ANP analysis in the case of F1. Independent T test performed for all the tests revealed that the data obtained was highly significant (p<0.01).Conclusions: F1 showed high antacid and buffering properties when tested in vitro. The present study highlights the need for future research on specific OTC non-prescribed antacid formulations with respect to their price, efficacy and side effects.

A Combined Measurement and Modelling Approach to Assess the Sustainability of Whole-Tree Harvesting—A Swedish Case Study

The demand of renewable energy has increased the interest in whole-tree harvesting. The sustainability of whole-tree harvesting after clear-cutting, from an acidification point of view, depends on two factors: the present acidification status and the further loss of buffering capacity at harvesting. The aims of this study were to investigate the relationship between these two factors at 26 sites along an acidification gradient in Sweden, to divide the sites into risk classes, and to examine the geographical distribution of them in order to provide policy-relevant insights. The present status was represented by the acid neutralizing capacity (ANC) in soil solution, and the loss of buffering capacity was represented by the estimated exceedance of critical biomass harvesting (CBH). The sites were divided into three risk classes combining ANC and exceedance of CBH. ANC and exceedance of CBH were negatively correlated, and most sites had either ANC < 0 and exceedance (high risk) or ANC > 0 and no exceedance (low risk). There was a geographical pattern, with the high risk class concentrated to southern Sweden, which was mainly explained by higher historical sulfur deposition and site productivity in the south. The risk classes can be used in the formulation of policies on whole-tree harvesting and wood ash recycling.

Inventory of MSWI Fly Ash in Switzerland: Heavy Metal Recovery Potential and Their Properties for Acid Leaching

From the year 2021 on, heavy metals from Swiss municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) fly ash (FA) must be recovered before landfilling. This is predominantly performed by acid leaching. As a basis for the development of defined recovery rates and for the implementation of the recovery process, the authorities and plant operators need information on the geochemical properties of FA. This study provides extended chemical and mineralogical characterization of all FA produced in 29 MSWI plants in Switzerland. Acid neutralizing capacity (ANC) and metallic aluminum (Al0) were additionally analyzed to estimate the effort for acid leaching. Results show that all FA samples are composed of similar constituents, but their content varies due to differences in waste input and incineration conditions. Based on their geochemical properties, the ashes could be divided into four types describing the leachability: very good (6 FA), good (10 FA), moderate (5 FA), and poor leaching potential (8 FA). Due to the large differences it is suggested that the required recovery rates are adjusted to the leaching potential. The quantity of heavy metals recoverable by acid leaching was estimated to be 2420 t/y Zn, 530 t/y Pb, 66 t/y Cu and 22 t/y Cd.