what does the hcl stand for in medications
hydrochloric acid. [hiâ³dro-klorÂ´ik] HCl, a normal constituent of gastric juice in humans and other animals. The absence of free hydrochloric acid in the stomach, called achlorhydria or gastric anacidity, may be found with chronic gastritis, gastric carcinoma, pernicious anemia, pellagra, and alcoholism. Abbreviation for hydrochloric acid.