Succor or Sucker?

Overview

Objectives/Goals This experiment was to determine if over-the-counter antacids were actually basic! The medicines chosen were name brand (no generics), original-strength products that listed relief of heartburn/acid indigestion as their first indication for use. Methods/Materials The five products tested were: Rolaids, Pepto-Bismol, Mylanta, Maalox, and Tums. All products were tested using both a digital pH meter and pH test paper. Care was taken to assure both equal volume and therapeutic dose. The tablets were broken-up, dissolved in water, stirred, and filtered. The liquids were shaken well and filtered. The resulting filtrate was pH tested. Results The pH testing showed following: Rolaids: 8.58, Pepto-Bismol: 4.55, Mylanta: 7.96, Maalox: 7.82, Tums: 7.95 Conclusions/Discussion The active ingredients were reviewed to determine the difference in acidity between Pepto-Bismol and the others. The active ingredient in Pepto-Bismol is bismuth subsalicylate which, like salicylic acid, lowers the pH. I concluded that not all over-the-counter antacids are basic. This indicates that symptoms of heartburn/acid indigestion can be relieved by a product that is an acid. I have done research to understand how and why these products work as well as the actions and effectiveness of other pharmaceutical treatment options for heartburn. Come by and see what I discovered!

Competition history

• CSEF 2006 Chemistry · Entry J0502

Resources

• CSEF project summary ↗

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