ACID NEUTRALIZATION CAPACITY AND COST EFFECTIVENESS OF ANTACID SUSPENSIONS SOLD ACROSS VARIOUS RETAIL PHARMACIES IN VIJAYAWADA

Antacids are the commonly prescribed drugs for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). As these are manufactured and marketed by various multinational and local companies there is a need for evaluating the cost effectiveness and efficacy of these antacids as a matter of public concern. In the present study an attempt has been made to determine and compare the acid neutralization capacity of antacid preparations sold across various retail pharmacies in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, India to find out unit cost and effectiveness of antacid with respect to its composition and manufacturer. Six different antacid suspensions manufactured by different companies were evaluated for the oraganoleptic properties, viscosity, pH and particle size and were compared with each other. Acid neutralizing capacity was determined by titrimetric method. Cost effectiveness was done by calculating the cost per ml of antacid and efficacy was evaluated based on acid neutralizing capacity of antacid preparation. Suspension Medicaine^® having higher acid neutralization capacity (30.22 mEq) with unit cost Rs.0.52/ml was found to be the most effective brand as this product exhibited the highest neutralization capacity with the lowest dose and price. Good acid neutralization capacity and the cost effectiveness of antacid medicaine^® suspension have beneficial parameters in improving the prescribing pattern. It benefits both doctor as well as patient.