[labcoated]

magnesium hydroxide MgOH2 and magnesium carbonate MgCO2 may be used as buffers in aspirin.  Is it correct to say that the affect of these buffers is to change the salicylate (aspirin) to a salt, raise the pH out of the acid range and increase solubility in water ?  The product of this reaction appears to be magnesium salicylate.  Is there any clearer or more accurate description of this buffering action ?  Thanks

[AWK]

There is no problem to buffer pills, since both Mg(OH)₂ and MgCO₃ are used as solids. Of course, during dissolution aspirin can react with this compounds, but in stomach a much stronger acid exists, namely  hydrochloric acid.
These compounds are used for rising pH in stomach during dissolution to avoid side effects of aspirin to stomach mucous membrane.