Effective Determination of Acid-Neutralising Capacity for Over-the-Counter Antacids as per USP<301>

USP<301> describes a back-titration to determine the acid-neutralising capacity (ANC). The method is very fast, easy, and reliable. The Metrohm Application Note includes the effective determination of ANC for scores of over-the-counter (OTC) antacids. The titration procedure works for samples such as magaldrate and simethicone for oral suspension and alumina, magnesia and simethicone in the form of chewing gums as well as for 36 further samples.

Antacids neutralise stomach acidity to relieve heartburn, sour stomach, acid indigestion, and stomach upset. They are also used to relieve the pain of stomach and duodenal ulcers. Antacids are formulated from materials such as alumina, magaldrate, magnesia, simethicone, calcium carbonate and dihydroxyaluminum. They are packaged as liquids, gels, tablets, powders, granules, and even as chewing-gums.

Using titration to a set endpoint of pH 3.5 the Metrohm Application Note shows the determination of the acid-neutralising capacity for alumina magnesia, simethicone chewable tablet, magaldrate and simethicone oral suspension, and for 36 further samples. It is documented in the Application Note T-192, which can be downloaded from the Metrohm website.

Acid indigestion and heartburn are widespread. Each year, people spend billions of dollars globally on antacids in search of relief. According to a Surgery of World Journal Gastrointest in 2016 it is estimated that up to 20 till 25% of Americans experience symptoms of prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) weekly.