What is antacid? Why is sodium hydrogen carbonate an effective antacid but sodium hydroxide is not?
Thx~
An antacid is the opposite of an acid. Antacids are over the counter medicines (usually) that you take for an acid stomach. Sodium hydroxide is an antacid, too, but it's too much of a good thing since it is very toxic to the system and WAAAAY to strong to swallow. Sodium hydrogen carbonate (sodium bicarbonate or bicarb) on the other hand is baking soda. It is a mild antacid and may be taken internally.
But there are also many weak base that can be taken internally, why is sodium hydrogen carbonate choosen to be antacid?
Antacids are medications that help neutralize excess stomach acid to provide relief from conditions such as heartburn, acid indigestion, and sour stomach. They work by raising the pH level in the stomach, reducing the acidity.
Sodium hydrogen carbonate, also known as baking soda or sodium bicarbonate, is an effective antacid due to its basic nature. It reacts with the excess stomach acid (which is acidic) to form water and carbon dioxide, thereby neutralizing the acid. This reaction can be represented by the equation:
NaHCO3 + HCl → NaCl + H2O + CO2
On the other hand, sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is not commonly used as an antacid because of its strong basic (alkaline) properties. While it is highly effective in neutralizing stomach acid, it can cause serious side effects when ingested. Sodium hydroxide is highly corrosive and can damage the lining of the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, it is not considered safe for oral consumption and is not recommended as an antacid.
In summary, sodium hydrogen carbonate is a preferred antacid due to its ability to neutralize excess stomach acid without causing harm, whereas sodium hydroxide is not used as an antacid due to its corrosive nature and potential for severe side effects.
An antacid is a medication used to neutralize excess stomach acid and provide relief from acid-related conditions such as heartburn, acid reflux, and indigestion. It works by raising the pH level of the stomach, reducing acidity.
Sodium hydrogen carbonate, also known as baking soda or bicarbonate of soda, is an effective antacid because it is a basic compound. It reacts with stomach acid (hydrochloric acid) to form carbon dioxide gas, water, and a salt called sodium chloride. This reaction helps to neutralize the excess acid and relieve the symptoms of acidity.
On the other hand, sodium hydroxide is not used as an antacid due to its strong basic nature. While it could technically neutralize stomach acid effectively, it would be harmful if ingested. Sodium hydroxide is a highly caustic compound and can cause severe burns and tissue damage if not handled properly. It is commonly used in industries such as chemical manufacturing and cleaning agents, but it is not suitable for ingestion as an antacid.
Therefore, it is essential to differentiate between sodium hydrogen carbonate (baking soda) and sodium hydroxide when discussing antacids. The former is a safe and commonly used antacid, while the latter is not intended for oral consumption due to its corrosive properties.