Comparative efficacy and efficiency profile of some commercially available antacids in the Nigerian pharmaceutical market

Antacids remain widely used for rapid relief of dyspepsia, gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, and gastroesophageal reflux, yet major differences exist in the effectiveness of commercially available formulations. In a 2020 comparative study evaluating ten marketed liquid antacid brands commercially available in Nigeria, only six products met all British Pharmacopoeia standards for both efficacy and efficiency. While all formulations achieved acceptable acid neutralizing capacity (ANC) values, products varied considerably in their ability to maintain optimal gastric pH over time, with ANCS 1g demonstrating the highest ANC (27.52 mEq/5mL) and strongest overall performance.

Results showed that although all antacids met the minimum ANC requirement for efficacy, four products failed one or more efficiency criteria due to inadequate pH control at 10 or 20 minutes. Formulations containing aluminum hydroxide and magnesium salts generally demonstrated superior performance, while safety considerations related to sodium-containing antacids, calcium salts, and liquorice-containing formulations were also highlighted.

The study concluded that not all marketed antacids provide equivalent therapeutic performance and emphasized the need for clearer labeling of ANC values and improved patient information to support informed prescribing and safer self-medication practices.