Study on the effectiveness of branded and generic antacid suspension forms

Generic antacid suspensions were found to be as effective as costly branded ones, disproving the belief that higher price ensures better quality. Tests comparing various branded and generic antacid suspensions—based on acid neutralizing capacity (ANC), viscosity, particle size, and specific gravity—showed that all products exceeded the recommended ANC value of 5 mEq. The study revealed no correlation between price and efficacy, as low-cost performed comparably to premium brands. The study recommends that regulatory authorities mandate the display of ANC values on antacid product labels to aid informed selection. Antacids, though generally safe and widely used for heartburn and dyspepsia, can cause complications in patients with renal impairment when misused.