Open AccessEvaluation of the acid-neutralizing capacity and other properties of antacids marketed in Morocco
Author(s) -
Mohamed Yafout,
Hicham Elhorr,
Ibrahim Sbai El Otmani,
Youssef Khayati
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
medicine and pharmacy reports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.35
H-Index - 16
eISSN - 2668-0572
pISSN - 2602-0807
DOI - 10.15386/mpr-2082
Subject(s) - chemistry , chromatography , food science , traditional medicine , medicine
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.