Comparison of Digecaine with Thirteen Commercially Available Antacids in Indian Market

Objective: This in-vitro study was designed to measure the quantity of acid neutralised by a suspension of a commercial antacid available in the lndian markets and to test the concept of the relative potency of 13 different commercial antacids as compared with Digecaine Gel to neutralise stomach acid (HCI) determined by a chemical analysis. The possible reason for the variation in acid neutralisation capacity (ANC) is also discussed. Methods: A simple back titration methodology was used to determine the ANC of antacids. Results: It was observed that different antacids vary widely in their in-vitro ANC and that there was a batch to batch variation noted for each brand of antacid as well. Digecaine had the highest ANC and relative potency among 14 brands of antacids studied. Conclusion: Digecaine was found to have the highest potency in terms of the highest ANC among the tested antacid brands. This could be attributed to the composition and the ratio of the active ingredients contained in each antacid. However ANC need not be the only factor to be considered in the choice of an antacid since various other factors such as cost, taste, active ingredients, bowel habit, underlying disease and side effects are also determinants for its effectiveness and thereby choice.