The Effect of Antacid Active Ingredient, Dosage, and Form on the Neutralization of Stomach Acid
This experiment tested the ability of different types of antacids to neutralize hydrochloric acid, a close approximation of stomach acid. Different active ingredients, dosages, and forms of antacids were stirred in hydrochloric acid for two minutes. After two minutes passed, the pH of the solution was measured to determine which antacid produced the highest pH. The active ingredients bismuth subsalicylate, sodium bicarbonate, and magnesium hydroxide were used in this experiment. Liquid, solid, and dissolvable forms of antacids were used. The dosage of the liquid antacid was a low value of 15 mL, and a high value of 45 mL. The dosage of the solid antacid was a low value of one tablet, and a high value of three tablets. The dosage of the dissolvable antacid was a standard value of two tablets.
Results of this experiment could be helpful in telling patients and doctors which antacids will be the most effective. Similar experiments have been conducted before by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), but this experiment tested for different factors. The FDA tested whether an antacid was safe to use and accomplishes its task while the researcher compared antacids and determined which factors are most significant to the function. In order to conduct this experiment, antacid tablets and liquids had to be purchased, tablets had to be ground up, and a hydrochloric acid solution had to be diluted to the correct molarity. A three factor design of experiment (DOE) was used to test this data. It was found that the liquid magnesium hydroxide antacid with the highest dosage produced the highest pH. The factors found to have an effect were active ingredient, dosage, form, and the interaction effect of form and active ingredient.
Research Done By:
Michelle Kane
Cousino High School
Dale Kellar
Cousino High School
Warren Consolidated Schools