AN IN-VITRO INVESTIGATION INTO THE DOSE-DEPENDENT ACID-NEUTRALIZATION EFFECT OF ANTACID FORMULATIONS ON THE GHANAIAN MARKET

The recommended doses of antacids by some manufacturers are in ranges. However, dosing decisions on antacids should be based on acid-neutralizing capacities (ANCs). This study evaluated the ANCs of different doses of antacids. Twenty-two antacids (3 granular, 5 tablet and 14 suspension formulations) were evaluated for their ANCs at half, minimum, and double their recommended adult doses. All the products complied with the minimum ANC recommendation (5 mEq/dose), although ANCs were significantly different from each other (p < 0.0001). The ANC range for minimum recommended doses for all products was 12.417−38.817 mEq. There were no significant differences in ANCs (p = 0.1662) based on dosage form. A dose-dependent effect was observed when minimum recommended doses were halved or doubled, with significant differences in ANCs at each dose level (p < 0.0001). The ANC range for doubled doses was 19.817-71.133 mEq. The ANCs at half-doses (7.583−20.417 mEq) were also compliant with the regulatory requirement. The findings show that doses smaller than recommended amounts could be indicated for mild hyperacidity conditions, whereas double doses could be restricted to severe cases. Regulation is required for an upper limit of ANC for antacids. Manufacturers should also indicate ANCs on product details to guide prescribing.