Which one of these medicines is used for treating acidity?

Question

Which one of these medicines is used for treating acidity?

1. A. Antibiotic
2. B. Analgesic
3. C. Antacid (Correct answer)
4. D. Antiseptic

Correct Answer

Option C — Antacid

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is Antacid.

Key Points

• An antacid neutralises excess hydrochloric acid in the stomach, relieving acidity and heartburn.
• Common antacids are mild bases — magnesium hydroxide (milk of magnesia), aluminium hydroxide and sodium bicarbonate.
• The others treat different problems: antibiotics kill bacteria, analgesics relieve pain, antiseptics prevent infection on wounds.

Additional Information

• The reaction is simple neutralisation: HCl + base → salt + water.
• Stomach acid normally sits at pH 1.5-3.5; excess production causes hyperacidity and, over time, peptic ulcers.
• The drug prefixes are worth learning as a set: anti- (against), anta-/ant- (opposing), as in *antacid*, *antidote*, *antibiotic*, *antipyretic* (fever) and *antihistamine* (allergy).