Final answer:
Antacids are medications that quickly relieve stomach acid and symptoms like heartburn and indigestion. They work by neutralizing excess stomach acid and reducing its production. Examples of antacids include ranitidine, famotidine, cimetidine, omeprazole, and aluminum hydroxide.
Step-by-step explanation:
Antacids are medications that produce rapid relief for stomach acid. They work by neutralizing excess stomach acid to alleviate symptoms such as heartburn and indigestion. Examples of antacids include ranitidine (Zantac), famotidine (Pepcid AC), cimetidine (Tagamet), omeprazole (Prilosec), and aluminum hydroxide. These medications belong to different classes such as H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors, but they all effectively reduce stomach acid levels to provide quick relief.