Why should antacids be given before meals?

Antacids are designed to neutralize stomach acid, which can help alleviate symptoms of conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or heartburn. Administering antacids before meals ensures that they are present in the stomach to counteract the gastric acid that is produced in response to food intake. When taken on an empty stomach, antacids can be more effective, as there is less food and fluid to dilute the medication, allowing it to act more quickly and efficiently in neutralizing the acidity.

This practice aligns with the pharmacological properties of antacids, where their effectiveness hinges on their ability to come into contact with gastric acid directly. Consequently, taking them prior to meals can optimize their therapeutic effects, providing relief from discomfort caused by excess acidity during digestion.