Alka-Seltzer

Bayer's Alka-Seltzer is available in a box of 10 effervescent tablets that dissolve quickly in water and are easy to take. Thanks to this delivery form, the medicine is rapidly absorbed by the body, giving a quicker effect than regular tablets.

Each tablet contains 324 mg acetylsalicylic acid and is designed to provide fast relief of symptoms.

Alka-Seltzer is indicated for the following beneficial effects:

• Analgesic - It is used to reduce mild to moderate pain such as headaches, joint pain, muscle pain, dental pain and menstrual pain.

• Antipyretic - Alka Seltzer Aspirin is effective in reducing fever and is commonly used in colds and flu.

• Anti-inflammatory - Helps reduce inflammation in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or acute polyarticular rheumatism.

Take this medicine exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you.

The recommended dosage for Alka-Seltzer depends on your age and the condition being treated.

• Analgesic and antipyretic effect in adults: take 1-2 effervescent tablets repeated as needed at 4-hourly intervals, not to exceed the maximum daily dose of 9 effervescent tablets. 
• Anti-inflammatory effect in adults: take 9-12 effervescent tablets daily, in divided doses, at 6-hourly intervals, not to exceed the maximum daily dose of 12 effervescent tablets.

For children over 10 years of age, the recommended daily dose of Alka-Seltzer is 30 - 50 mg/kg divided into 4-6 doses, and for children under 10 years of age, the administration should be done only on the advice of a doctor under strict supervision.

Alka-Seltzer is contraindicated in the following cases:

• allergy to acetylsalicylic acid or any of the other ingredients in this medicine 
• active gastric or duodenal ulcer
• increased bleeding tendency 
• a history of bronchial asthma induced by taking salicylates or substances with a similar action, especially non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
• last trimester of pregnancy 
• severe liver failure
• severe kidney failure
• decompensated heart failure

Effervescent tablets dissolve in a glass of water before taking.

Alka-Seltzer should not be taken for more than 3-5 days without consulting your doctor.

Alka-Seltzer can cause side effects, although not all people experience them. The most common include:

• Gastrointestinal disorders - nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, gastrointestinal bleeding 
• Disorders of liver (increased transaminases) and kidney function
• Hypoglycemia
• Increased risk of bleeding
• Allergic reactions - hives, skin reactions, anaphylactic reactions

Alka Seltzer should not be taken with alcohol because of the increased risk of gastrointestinal damage and increased bleeding time.

The following combinations of Alka Seltzer are contraindicated or require caution:

• Methotrexate
• Anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs
• Other NSAIDs in combination with high-dose salicylates 
• Uricozurice
• Digoxin
• Antidiabetic 
• Sulfamide
• Diuretics
• Systemic glucocorticoids
• Valproic acid
• Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors 
• Triiodothyronine

Acetylsalicylic acid overdose can be serious and requires immediate medical intervention. 

Dizziness and tinnitus are usually the most common symptoms of overdose.

Tell your doctor immediately if you suspect an overdose with Alka-Seltzer.

Alka-Seltzer should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and at a temperature below 25°C. 

• National Library of Medicine, Salicylic Acid (Aspirin)
• Drugs.com, Aspirin
• MedlinePlus, Aspirin
• WebMD, Aspirin - Uses, side effects and more