US EPA

2066153 

Journal Article 

Neutralizing capacity and cost effectiveness of antacids 

Drake, D; Hollander, D 

1981 

Yes 

Annals of Internal Medicine
ISSN: 0003-4819
EISSN: 1539-3704 

IPA/81/444089 

Intern 

REF 5 

215-217 

eng 

IPA COPYRIGHT: ASHP Commonly available antacids, both liquid and tablet, were tested for their acid neutralizing capacity; the cost of one month of therapy was tabulated and the cost effectiveness calculated. The acid neutralizing capacity and cost effectiveness of liquid antacids are generally better than tablet antacids. The most effective liquid antacids, which are composed of either aluminum and magnesium hydroxide mixtures or calcium carbonate, vary in buffering capacity from 3 to 4.2 meq/ml of antacid and range in monthly cost of therapy from $35 to $74. The 3 most effective liquid antacids were Maalox TC (aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide; monthly cost of $44), Titralac (calcium carbonate and glycine (aminoacetic acid); monthly cost of $35) and Delcid (aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide; monthly cost of $57). In contrast, the 5 least effective liquid antacids vary in acid neutralizing capacity from 0.3 to 2.3 meq/ml of antacid and in monthly cost of therapy from $78 to $498. Because the cost of therapy is influenced primarily by the acid neutralizing capacity, prescription of a high potency antacid is suggested, and the taste and sodium content of the antacids taken into account.