Antacid

An antacid is a substance which neutralizes stomach acidity, which in turn relieves heartburn.

Medical uses

Antacids are available over the counter and are taken by mouth to quickly relieve occasional heartburn, the major symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Treatment with antacids alone is symptomatic and only justified for minor symptoms.

Antacids are distinct from acid-reducing drugs like H2-receptor antagonists or proton pump inhibitors and they do not kill the bacteria, Helicobacter pylori, which causes most ulcers.

Side effects

Versions with magnesium may cause diarrhea, and brands with calcium or aluminium may cause constipation and rarely, long-term use may cause kidney stones. Long term use of versions with aluminum may increase the risk for getting osteoporosis.

Mechanism of action

Antacids contain alkaline ions that chemically neutralize stomach gastric acid.

Some well-known antacid brands

Antacids are generally a chemical salt of an alkaline ion and a counterion, as shown in the table below. The alkaline ion is generally bicarbonate but may also be hydroxide.

Imagination Station

Imagination Station (formerly the Center of Science and Industry (COSI)) is a non-profit, hands-on science museum located on the riverfront in downtown Toledo, Ohio. The facility has over 300 exhibits for "children of all ages."

After tax levies failed in 2006 and 2007, COSI closed its doors to the public on the last day of 2007 due to lack of funding. In 2008, voters approved an operating levy to reopen the facility using The Toledo Science Center as its interim name. The Imagination Station opened on 10 October 2009.

History

In 1984, the Portside Festival Marketplace shopping mall opened along the Maumee River, on the site of the former Tiedtke's department store, with the hope of revitalizing downtown Toledo. In 1990, the marketplace closed, leaving a vacant 100,000-square-foot (9,300 m²) modern facility. A committee, appointed by the mayor, was charged with finding the best use for the site. Researching options, committee members heard repeatedly the need for an educational family attraction. As a result, COSI Columbus was approached regarding the development of a similar institution in Toledo. Together, a structure was developed making COSI Toledo an independent, not-for-profit organization with a board of trustees from Northwest Ohio, while taking advantage of the experience and resources of COSI Columbus.