Milk of Magnesia: A Miracle Cure for Reducing Stomach Acid

Ulcer disease in medical terms is called gastritis or peptic ulcer disease, where this disease is not a real disease, but ulcer disease is a symptom of inflammation of the stomach caused by the virus bacteria Helicobacter pylori which causes injury to the stomach. Gastric pain is also closely related to stomach acid, when the production of stomach acid and pepsin, which is corrosive, is not balanced with the gastroduodenal defense system, ulcers will occur in the esophagus, stomach and/or duodenum. However, there are also other factors that can trigger gastritis such as stress, unhealthy lifestyle and irregular diet. 

If gastritis occurs, patients can use alkaline drugs because when gastritis recurs, stomach acid, namely hydrochloric acid, increases so that only alkaline drugs can neutralize the effect of stomach acid, hereby reducing the acidity in the stomach and the amount of acid that flows back into the esophagus (the muscular tube connecting the mouth and stomach). An example of drugs that can neutralize stomach acid is antacid drugs. According to Chemistry LibreTexts, antacids contain alkaline ions (bases) that chemically neutralize stomach acid, reduce damage, and relieve pain. Generally, antacids are weak bases, oxy-aluminum compounds (weak bases) are difficult to raise the pH of the stomach more than 4, while stronger bases such as magnesium hydroxide can theoretically raise the pH to 9, but in reality this does not happen. The acid-neutralizing capacity of various antacids at therapeutic doses varies, but generally the gastric pH does not get above 4, which is a condition that can reduce pepsin activity, unless it is given frequently and continuously. The pepsin enzyme in the stomach is responsible for breaking down the protein content. This type of enzyme can only work optimally in an acidic atmosphere, which is around pH 2. In other words, if there is a much different pH, the enzyme will be damaged. To maintain the enzyme system, the body has a substance or solution that acts as a barrier.

Antacids are available in various dosage forms including tablets, chewable tablets, suspensions, lozenges, effervescents, and others. In Indonesia, only popular dosage forms of tablets, chewable tablets and suspensions have been widely produced and circulated in Indonesia. To meet the desired criteria, antacids must undergo evaluation including determining the start of drug action, neutralizing capacity, neutralizing speed, duration of drug action in neutralizing acid and palability (taste), because antacids must be taken frequently and in large quantities, thus affecting patient compliance in taking them. The therapeutic success of an antacid is closely related to its ability or potential to neutralize stomach acid or its acid neutralizing capacity. An example of an antacid used in everyday life is milk of magnesia. 

Why is it called milk of magnesia? Because its color is like milk, which is white. Magnesium milk is one of the antacid drugs that can neutralize the increase in acid in the stomach. Magnesium milk is made from magnesium hydroxide dissolved in water because magnesium hydroxide is a white solid that is difficult to dissolve in water, a magnesium hydroxide suspension is formed called magnesium milk. But in more modern formulations magnesium hydroxide is mixed with aluminum hydroxide, which has an antimolytic effect, in equal concentrations to avoid unwanted laxative effects. Magnesium milk should be stored in a tightly closed container in a cool place. This antacid medicine can be purchased at pharmacies without a prescription from a doctor.

Milk of magnesia is usually taken as a single daily dose, preferably before bedtime. It should be taken via the oral route only. Follow the instructions mentioned in the packaging and consume milk of magnesia as directed. Do not take more or less than the prescribed dose. Use caution when giving magnesia milk to children. Read all instructions carefully to ensure that you are giving the right product to your child. Some of the instructions to follow when taking magnesia milk include: Take milk of magnesia with a full glass of water, avoid taking milk of magnesia continuously for a week, shake the oral suspension well before use, take other medications 2 hours before or after taking milk of magnesia, after use, store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture.