Alka-Seltzer

Medical Editor: John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP Last updated on RxList: 5/26/2022

Drug Summary

What Is Alka-Seltzer Original?

Alka-Seltzer Original (anhydrous citric acid, aspirin, and sodium bicarbonate tablet, effervescent) is a combination of two antacids and an analgesic used for the temporary relief of 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; and headache, body aches, and pain alone.

What Are Side Effects of Alka-Seltzer Original?

Side effects of Alka-Seltzer Original include:

  • a severe allergic reaction to aspirin (hives, facial swelling, wheezing, shock) and
  • stomach bleeding.

Dosage for Alka-Seltzer Original

The dose of Alka-Seltzer Original for adults and children 12 years and over is 2 tablets fully dissolved in 4 ounces of water every 4 hours, or as directed by a doctor.

Alka-Seltzer Original In Children

Children and teenagers who have or are recovering from chicken pox or flu-like symptoms should not use Alka-Seltzer Original. When using Alka-Seltzer Original, 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.

What Drugs, Substances, or Supplements Interact with Alka-Seltzer Original?

Alka-Seltzer Original may interact with other medicines such as:

Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use.

Alka-Seltzer Original During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant before using Alka-Seltzer Original. 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 a fetus or complications during delivery. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Additional Information

Our Alka-Seltzer Original (anhydrous citric acid, aspirin, and sodium bicarbonate tablet, effervescent) Side Effects Drug Center provides a comprehensive view of available drug information on the potential side effects when taking this medication.

Alka-Seltzer® Original

Description for Alka-Seltzer

Active ingredients (in each tablet) Purpose
Anhydrous citric acid 1000 mg Antacid
Aspirin 325 mg (NSAID) Analgesic
Sodium bicarbonate (heat-treated) 1916 mg Antacid
* nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug

Uses for Alka-Seltzer

Uses

  • for the temporary relief of:
  • 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

Dosage for Alka-Seltzer

Directions

  • fully dissolve 2 tablets in 4 ounces of water before taking

adults and children 12 years and over 2 tablets every 4 hours, or as directed by a doctor do not exceed 8 tablets in 24 hours
adults 60 years and over 2 tablets every 4 hours, or as directed by a doctor do not exceed 4 tablets in 24 hours
children under 12 years consult a doctor

HOW SUPPLIED

Other information

  • each 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

Questions or comments? 1-800-986-0369 (Mon – Fri 9AM – 5PM EST)

Dist. by: Bayer HealthCare LLC, Whippany, NJ 07981. Revised: Aug 2018

Side Effects for Alka-Seltzer

Allergy alert

Aspirin may cause a severe allergic reaction which may include:

Drug Interactions for Alka-Seltzer

No Information provided

Warnings for Alka-Seltzer

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 Waarning

This product contains an 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

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

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

When using this product do not exceed recommended dosage

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

If 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.

Precautions for Alka-Seltzer

See section on WARNINGS

Overdose Information for Alka-Seltzer

No Information provided

Contraindications for Alka-Seltzer

No Information provided

Clinical Pharmacology for Alka-Seltzer

No Information provided

Patient Information for Alka-Seltzer

No information provided. Please refer to the WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS section.

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Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.