What is alka seltzer

Alka Seltzer is a medicine that contains the following active ingredients: Anhydrous Citric Acid 1000mg (antacid), Aspirin 325mg (an analgesic – nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) and Sodium Bicarbonate 1916mg (baking soda – antacid). Alka-Seltzer is used for the relief of heartburn, upset stomach, acid indigestion with headache and body aches.

In Alka Seltzer Extra Strength the active ingredients are: Anhydrous Citric Acid 1000mg (antacid), Aspirin 500mg (an analgesic – nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) and Sodium Bicarbonate 1985mg (baking soda – antacid).

In Alka Seltzer Extra Strength Heartburn Relief Chews the active ingredient is: Calcium Carbonate 750mg (antacid).

Other information:

• each Alka Seltzer tablet contains: sodium 567 mg
• store at room temperature. Avoid excessive heat.
• Alka-Seltzer in water contains principally the antacid sodium citrate and the analgesic sodium acetylsalicylate

Inactive ingredients:

• none

There is another type of Alka Seltzer medicine called “Alka Seltzer – Heartburn” that contains only Anhydrous citric acid 1000 mg (antacid) and Sodium bicarbonate (heat-treated) 1940 mg (antacid) without the added Aspirin. The directions of use and dosage is the same as the standard Alka Seltzer, except it contains phenylalanine 5.6 mg per tablet which is contraindicated for people with phenylketonuria.

Alka seltzer uses

Alka Seltzer main uses are for:

• heartburn, acid indigestion, and sour stomach when accompanied with headache or body aches and pains
• upset stomach with headache from overindulgence in food or drink
• headache, body aches, and pain alone

How often can you take alka seltzer

Directions of use of standard Alka Seltzer:

Fully dissolve 2 tablets in 4 ounces of water before taking

• Children under 12 years: Consult a doctor for advice
• Adults and children 12 years and over: take 2 tablets every 4 hours, or as directed by a doctor. Do not exceed 8 tablets in 24 hours
• Adults 60 years and over: take 2 tablets every 4, or as directed by a doctor. Do not exceed 4 tablets in 24 hours

For Alka Seltzer Extra Strength:

Fully dissolve 2 tablets in 4 ounces of water before taking

• Children under 12 years: Consult a doctor for advice
• Adults and children 12 years and over: take 2 tablets every 6 hours, or as directed by a doctor. Do not exceed 7 tablets in 24 hours
• Adults 60 years and over: take 2 tablets every 6 hours, or as directed by a doctor. Do not exceed 3 tablets in 24 hours.

Alka Seltzer Extra Strength Heartburn Relief Chews

• Children under 12 years: Consult a doctor for advice
• Adults and children 12 years and over: fully chew then swallow 1 or 2 chewable tablets as symptoms occur, or as directed by a doctor. Do not exceed exceed 5 chewable tablets in 24 hours
• Do not use the maximum dosage of this product for more than 2 weeks except under the advice and supervision of a physician
• Each chewable tablet contains calcium 300mg.
• Constipation may occur.

How does alka seltzer work

When too much acid builds up in your stomach, it can feel upset. Alka-Seltzer is an antacid or “buffer” which neutralizes stomach acid keeping your stomach from being too acidic.

Alka Seltzer Side Effects

Do NOT use

• if you are allergic to aspirin or any other pain reliever/fever reducer
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this product or any of its ingredients

Reye’s syndrome

• Children and teenagers who have or are recovering from chicken pox or flu-like symptoms should not use this product. When using this product, if changes in behavior with nausea and vomiting occur, consult a doctor because these symptoms could be an early sign of Reye’s syndrome, a rare but serious illness.

Allergy alert

Aspirin may cause a severe allergic reaction which may include:

• hives
• facial swelling
• asthma (wheezing)
• shock

Stomach bleeding warning

This product contains Aspirin which is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), which may cause severe stomach bleeding. The chance is higher if you:

• are age 60 or older
• have had stomach ulcers or bleeding problems
• take a blood thinning (anticoagulant) or steroid drug
• take other drugs containing prescription or nonprescription NSAIDs (aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or others)
• have 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day while using this product
• take more or for a longer time than directed

Ask a doctor before use if:

• stomach bleeding warning applies to you
• you have a history of stomach problems, such as heartburn
• you have high blood pressure, heart disease, liver cirrhosis, or kidney disease
• you are taking a diuretic
• you have asthma
• you have a sodium-restricted diet

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if you are:

• presently taking a prescription drug. Antacids may interact with certain prescription drugs.
• taking a prescription drug for diabetes, gout, or arthritis.

Stop use and ask a doctor if:

• an allergic reaction occurs. Seek medical help right away.
• you experience any of the following signs of stomach bleeding
  • feel faint
  • vomit blood
  • have bloody or black stools
  • have stomach pain that does not get better
• symptoms get worse or last more than 10 days
• redness or swelling is present
• ringing in the ears or a loss of hearing occurs
• new symptoms occur

Alka seltzer pregnant

If you’re pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use.

It is especially important not to use aspirin during the last 3 months of pregnancy unless definitely directed to do so by a doctor because it may cause problems in the unborn child or complications during delivery.

Keep out of reach of children.

In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.