QCM : Rapid Relief: Antacids and PPIs — 10 questions

Explication

Antacids work by chemically neutralizing gastric acid through a neutralization reaction with hydrochloric acid (HCl), producing water and salt, which raises gastric pH. This provides rapid symptomatic relief from acid-related discomfort. The other options describe mechanisms of other drug classes: PPIs inhibit the H+/K+ ATPase enzyme, H2 blockers block histamine receptors, and proton pump activation is part of the PPI mechanism, but antacids act chemically rather than biologically.

Explication

Antacids provide relief by chemically neutralizing existing stomach acid through a neutralization reaction, unlike drugs that inhibit acid secretion.

Explication

Aluminum hydroxide is a type of antacid that neutralizes stomach acid and is associated with side effects like constipation. It is explicitly mentioned as a distinct type of antacid in the content, making it the correct answer.

Explication

Aluminum hydroxide is known to cause constipation, whereas magnesium hydroxide can cause diarrhea. Calcium carbonate may lead to acid rebound but not necessarily constipation.

Explication

PPIs work by irreversibly inhibiting the H+/K+ ATPase enzyme in parietal cells, leading to a significant reduction in gastric acid secretion. This action helps in managing acid-related disorders such as GERD and peptic ulcers by decreasing acid production, not by neutralizing existing acid or increasing acid secretion.

Explication

Magnesium-based antacids are known to cause diarrhea due to their osmotic activity in the intestines.

Explication

Sodium bicarbonate, being a fast-acting alkali, can lead to systemic alkalosis and sodium overload, especially in patients with renal impairment.

Explication

Acid rebound is a phenomenon where gastric acid secretion increases after antacids' effects decline, possibly exacerbating symptoms.

Explication

Most antacids have a duration of action approximately 1-2 hours, providing short-term symptom relief.

Explication

Antacids act rapidly by neutralizing acid in the stomach, while PPIs inhibit acid secretion by blocking proton pumps, leading to more sustained acid suppression.