Production of excessive HCl in the stomach causes acidity. Use of excessive `NaHCO_3` can make the stomach alkaline and trigger the production of even more acid. However, metal hydroxides (insoluble compounds and do not increase the pH in the stomach) can only control the symptoms but not the cause. On the other hand, ranitidine and cimetidine prevent the interaction of histamine with the receptors present in the stomach wall and results in release of lesser amount of HCl.
