Sodium hydrogen carbonate and ranitidine are used as antacids. Which one is a better choice? Why?
Antacids such as sodium hydrogen carbonate, magnesium hydroxide, and aluminium hydroxide function by neutralising excess hydrochloric acid in the stomach. However, the underlying reason for excess acid production remains unaddressed. Cimetidine and ranitidine are superior antacids because they regulate acidity at its source. These medicines stop histamine from interacting with the receptors in the stomach walls. As a result, the quantity of acid produced by the stomach is reduced, which is why cimetidine and ranitidine are superior antacids than sodium hydrogen carbonate, magnesium hydroxide, or aluminium hydroxide.
