Antacid tablets

A chewable antacid tablet comprises a water-insoluble antacid agent, mannitol and urea, the proportions of antacid agent and mannitol each being greater than the proportion of urea. Preferred antacid agents are Al(OH)3, MgO, Mg(OH)2, MgCO3, Mg2Si3O8.5H2O, or mixtures thereof. The tablet may contain one or more sweetening agents, flavouring agents, lubricants, fillers, or mixtures thereof. It may also contain additional therapeutic agents such as an antispasmodic (e.g. aminopentamide), an antiflatulent (e.g. methylpolysiloxane), a sedative (e.g. phenobarbital), a tranquillizer (e.g. reserpine, meprobamate), an analgesic, an anti-secretory agent, a local anaesthetic, or compatible combinations thereof. The tablet provides a duration of antacid action in the effective pH range of from 3 to 5 of at least 80 minutes as measured by a standard test according to E. Fuchs, Drug and Cosmetic Industry, 64, 692, (1949).