Safely Buy Alka-Seltzer ( Aspirin/Sodium Bicarbonate/Anhydrous Citric Acid - non Rx ) from Canada Prescriptions Plus.


Indications

Alka-Seltzer is an antacid that combines aspirin, citric acid, and sodium bicarbonate. The medication is used to treat indigestion and pain such as headaches, heartburn, and upset stomachs.

When taken with food, Alka-Seltzer can help diminish heartburn or stomachaches. The sodium bicarbonate it contains is an antacid that works to neutralize stomach acid. The medication’s other active ingredient, Aspirin, is a salicylate that helps relieve pain and inflammation. Aspirin may also help prevent blood clots, but this can increase the chance of serious bleeding.

Alka-Seltzer is meant to be taken as needed and dissolves easily into water. Speak to a doctor about taking this medication as it can react with some medications and increase bleeding.

Uses and Dosages

Consult with a doctor over how many tablets to take and when. Doses will differ per person depending on need and health.

  • Can be taken with or without food
  • Avoid taking on an empty stomach
  • Dissolve one or two tablets into ½ a cup of cool water
  • Dissolve tablets fully in water before drinking
  • Add more water to the glass and drink it all to ensure all medicine has been ingested

Take one or two tablets when needed to relieve indigestion, stomach aches, or heartburn.

When taking to prevent issues relating to blocked blood vessels, such as a heart attack or stroke, take one tablet a day.

  • Adults should take one or two tablet as needed every four to six hours
  • Speak to a doctor before giving to children under the age of three
  • Children three to five should take half a tablet every four to six hours as needed
  • Children six to twelve should take one tablet every four to six hours as needed

If you take Alka-Seltzer regularly and miss a dose, take it when you remember. If you remember close to your regular dose time, wait until then. Do not double your normal dose.

Side Effects

This medication may cause some unwanted side effects alongside its pain-relieving properties. The following side effects are rare when Alka-Seltzer is taken occasionally but is more likely when more than the recommended dose is taken, if taken several times a day, and if taken daily.

Possible side effects of Alka-Seltzer include:

  • Heartburn
  • Indigestion
  • Increased thirst
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Mild stomach pain

Serious Side Effects

While less common, some serious side effects can occur when taking Alka-Seltzer. Talk to a doctor as soon as possible if you notice any of the following.

Serious side effects include:

  • Bloody or black and tarry stools
  • Frequent urge to urinate
  • Severe or continuing headache
  • Increased blood pressure
  • Continued loss of appetite
  • Changes in mood
  • Muscle pain or twitching
  • Continuous ringing in ears
  • Skin rash, hives, or itching
  • Slow breathing
  • Swelling of face, fingers, ankles, feet, or lower legs
  • Unusual fatigue or weakness
  • Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
  • Unusual weight gain

Allergic Reactions

Do not take Alka-Seltzer if you are allergic to Aspirin, Citric Acid, Sodium Bicarbonate, or any other ingredients listed on the label.

Cautions

Alka-Seltzer contains aspirin, a salicylate which can irritate the stomach, especially if taken on an empty stomach. The aspirin also increases your risk of bleeding.

Speak with a doctor and conduct regular checkups if the medication is taken more than ten days in a row. If pain persists or worsens after ten days, or new symptoms develop, speak to a medical professional.

Medical issues may affect the use of this medication. Speak with your doctor before using, especially if you have the following:

  • Anemia
  • Stomach ulcers or other stomach issues
  • Appendicitis
  • Asthma or nasal polyps
  • Kidney or liver disease
  • Edema
  • Heart disease
  • High blood pressure
  • Toxemia of pregnancy

The active ingredients in Alka-Seltzer can aggravate the above issues or lead to side effects.

Alka-Seltzer contains sodium bicarbonate which can affect other medications if taken too close together.

  • Take one or two hours before or after any other oral medication
  • Three or four hours before or after taking a tetracycline antibiotic by mouth
  • At least two hours before or after taking norfloxacin or ofloxacin
  • Three hours before or after ketoconazole
  • Two hours after taking itraconazole
  • At least eight hours before or two hours after taking enoxacin

Check with a doctor before taking Alka-Seltzer alongside over the counter and prescription medications that contain salicylates or sodium. Taking salicylate or sodium containing products with Alka-Seltzer could lead to an overdose.

Some other medications may react with the Aspirin in Alka-Seltzer and shouldn’t be taken together for more than a few days unless directed otherwise by a medical professional.

These include but are not limited to:

  • Acetaminophen
  • Diclofenac
  • fenoprofen
  • Ibuprofen
  • Oxaprozin

Do not take this medication for five days before any surgery unless directed by your medical professional because it can increase bleeding.

If taken regularly, avoid alcohol because it can increase stomach problems. Do not drink an excess of milk or dairy products to avoid an increased chance of side effects. You may also need to limit your sodium intake to prevent side effects caused by too much sodium in your body.

If you have diabetes, the aspirin in Alka-Seltzer may cause false urine glucose test results if more than eight tablets are taken a day. Occasional use or smaller amounts should not affect results. Stay in contact with your doctor to monitor.

Form and Strength

Alka-Seltzer (Aspirin, Citric Acid, Sodium Bicarbonate) is available in tablet form.

The strengths per tablet include:

  • 325mg of Aspirin
  • 1916mg of Sodium Bicarbonate
  • 1000mg of Citric Acid

The Alka-Seltzer tablets are available in quantities of 24 and 36

FAQ

Why should I take Alka-Seltzer for heartburn instead of a chewable heartburn relief medication?

Alka-Seltzer dissolves fully in water and doesn’t require time to break down in the stomach. The medication can then get to work neutralizing stomach acid right away.

Does Alka-Seltzer contain sodium?

Yes, Alka-Seltzer contains sodium bicarbonate. This ingredient helps the tablet quickly dissolve and neutralize acid. Speak with a doctor if you are on a sodium-free or restricted diet.

What temperature of water should I use when dissolving Alka-Seltzer tablets?

Cool or room temperature is best. The tablets won’t dissolve as quickly in cold water while warm water can cause excessive foam to form.

Resources:

  1. https://www.drugs.com/cons/alka-seltzer.html
  2. https://www.drugs.com/drug-class/salicylates.html
  3. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=fbfa46b6-1773-4053-b323-66f4321d6472
  4. https://www.alkaseltzer.com/original/products/original

Additional information

Brand Name:

Alka-Seltzer

Scientific Name:

Aspirin/Sodium Bicarbonate/Anhydrous Citric Acid – non Rx

Other Names:

Alka-Seltzer

Strength(s):

325/1916/1000mg

Quantities Available:

24, 36

Formulation:

Tablet