What is the advantage of using antihistamines over antacids in the treatment of acidity?


 

Usual antacids like sodium hydrogen carbonate control only the symptom and not the cause. They neutralize the excess of acid production in the stomach. but do not control the cause of the production of excess of HCI in the stomach.

Histamine, a chemical, is responsible for the secretion of pepsin and HCI in the stomach. Antihistamines are the drugs that suppress the acton of histamine, which in turn suppresses the secretion of pepsin and HCl in the stomach. Antihistamine prevents the binding of histamine with the receptors present in the stomach wall.

As a result, less HCl is produced and hyperacidity is cured. Thus, better treatment for curing acidity is to use antihistamines over antacids.