Description
What are Alka-Seltzer Original Effervescent Tablets?
Alka-Seltzer Original tablets are a medicine containing aspirin, sodium hydrogen carbonate, and citric acid. Alka-Seltzer can treat a variety of aches and pains, as well as heartburn and indigestion. Effervescent tablets are types of tablets that dissolve in water and become fizzy.
What is the recommended dosage?
Adults and children over 16 should dissolve 2 tablets in half a glass of water (100ml) every 4 hours as required. Alka-Seltzer tablets must always be dissolved in water before use. You must not take more than 8 tablets in one 24-hour period.
Do not take Alka-Seltzer tablets for more than 3 days in a row – if you’re still not feeling better, you should speak to your doctor.
Treatments containing aspirin are less likely to cause a stomach ache if you take them with food.
How do the active ingredients in these Alka-Seltzer tablets work?
Alka-Seltzer Original contains 324mg of aspirin as its main active ingredient. Aspirin belongs to a group of medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These types of drugs work to relieve pain and inflammation, and can also reduce a high temperature.
These Alka-Seltzer tablets also contain sodium hydrogen carbonate and citric acid. These ingredients work as antacids, providing symptomatic relief against heartburn and indigestion by neutralising acid in the stomach.
What can Alka-Seltzer tablets be used for?
Alka-Seltzer tablets contain aspirin, an anti-inflammatory pain reliever, and can be effective against mild to moderate pain, including:
Headache
Backache
Nerve pain
Period pain
Toothache
Sore throat
Cold & flu
Fever
Rheumatic pain (arthritis)
Muscle tenderness and stiffness
Joint pain
Strains and sprains
Alka-Seltzer tablets also contain sodium hydrogen carbonate and citric acid, both of which act as antacids. These active ingredients can provide relief against:
Heartburn
Indigestion
Upset stomach
Can Alka-Seltzer cure or prevent a hangover?
If you’re recovering from a night out, Alka-Seltzer isn’t necessarily an instant ‘cure’ for your hangover. That being said, a hangover usually involves a headache, muscle aches and an upset stomach, so Alka-Seltzer tablets could certainly provide relief against these symptoms.
Alcohol can cause dehydration and irritate the lining of your stomach if you drink too much of it. The only way to properly prevent a hangover is to make sure you drink responsibly and don’t overdo it.
It is important to note that you should avoid taking Alka-Seltzer tablets at the same time as drinking alcohol.
Are these tablets suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women?
You should not take these Alka-Seltzer tablets if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or trying for a baby unless your doctor has told you otherwise. Aspirin can prolong labour and affect blood clotting in mothers and/or their babies.
Are these tablets suitable for children?
No, children under 16 should not take Alka-Seltzer or any product containing aspirin. This is because there is a possible link between aspirin and Reye’s syndrome, a very rare but very serious condition that can cause liver and brain damage. If your child is experiencing pain, browse our full range of pain relief products for suitable alternatives.
When should Alka-Seltzer Original not be used?
Alka-Seltzer Original should be safe to use for most healthy adults and adolescents over 16. You must not, however, take these tablets if you:
Are allergic to aspirin, any other salicylates (eg. aloxiprin), or any of the other ingredients in Alka-Seltzer Original
Have history of allergic reactions induced by pain relieving or anti-inflammatory medicines
Have severe kidney or liver problems
Have severe heart problems.
Have a disorder which causes excessive bleeding such as haemophilia.
Have, or have had, a stomach or duodenal ulcer
Are on a high dose of methotrexate (15mg per week or more)
Speak to your doctor or Chemist4U pharmacist before taking these Alka-Seltzer tablets if you:
Are taking any other medicines, including those obtained without a prescription
Are allergic to any other pain relieving, anti-rheumatic or anti-inflammatory medicines
Suffer from tightness in the chest or asthma
Have low uric acid excretion, which is commonly associated with gout
Have a history of gastrointestinal disorders (regular stomach upsets)
Have a deficiency in glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), since you may experience anaemia
Have kidney, liver, heart or blood circulation problems
Are about to have surgery – before your operation, you must tell the doctor or surgeon that you are taking aspirin
Are there any side effects?
As with all medicines, you may notice some side effects when takin…
Susan –
Settles things down nicely, and refreshing to drink – if you don’t like the taste add a little bit of cordial/squash.
Gillian Machin –
So useful to have on hand in the partying season, when one has over indulged.
Ms Ela –
I used Aspirin for pain often when I was living in Europe. In pharmacies in UK it is hard to get it in such dose, only small doses for heart. So it was nice to see Bayer Aspirin here. I bought it without hesitation.
Paula Elsdon –
Really good product.
Mr S Fryer –
Best for hangovers for me, even take one before I go out, and seems to ease stomach pains / upsets, but the wife also takes these when she feels a migraine coming on, seems to help along with here prescribed medication.