Final answer:
Simethicone is combined with calcium carbonate antacids because it enhances their effectiveness by also relieving gas symptoms. Calcium carbonate neutralizes stomach acid, and simethicone reduces gas bubble surface tension to alleviate bloating.
Step-by-step explanation:
Simethicone (Mylicon) is often combined with calcium carbonate antacids to enhance their effectiveness. Antacids like calcium carbonate work by chemically neutralizing stomach acid, specifically hydrochloric acid (HCl), thus reducing damage and relieving pain associated with conditions like heartburn or acid indigestion. The reaction for this neutralization is CaCO3(s) + 2HCl(aq) = CaCl2 (aq) + H2O(l) + CO2(g), where solid calcium carbonate reacts with the aqueous hydrochloric acid to form calcium chloride, water, and carbon dioxide gas. The carbon dioxide can lead to belching, which can further help in reducing bloating. Simethicone works differently; it reduces the surface tension of gas bubbles in the stomach and intestines, which makes it easier for the body to expel this gas and thus helps alleviate bloating and discomfort from gas trapped within the digestive system. When simethicone is combined with calcium carbonate, the mixture not only reduces acid but also helps in relieving gas symptoms, making it a comprehensive treatment for discomfort caused by excess stomach acid and gas.