Q. How do antacids work?

Answer

In short antacids are a combination of calcium magnesium and aluminum salts which neutralize the acid in the stomach. They also inhibit pepsin an enzyme that plays a role in protein digestion. Pepsin works with hydrochloric acid in the stomach to provide the acidic environment necessary to digest food. In addition certain antacids include a foaming agent called alginate that floats on top of the stomach contents and prevents acid from coming into contact with the esophagus.