Alka-Seltzer
(aspirin / citric acid / sodium bicarbonate)
Relieves symptoms of indigestion and pain
Our bottom line
Alka-Seltzer (aspirin / citric acid / sodium bicarbonate) provides quick relief for heartburn, upset stomach, headaches, and general pain. However, you have to take it a few times a day to continue getting relief of your symptoms.
- Drug class: Gastrointestinal
- Rx status: Over-the-counter
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (aspirin / citric acid / sodium bicarbonate)
Upsides
- Alka-Seltzer (aspirin / citric acid / sodium bicarbonate) is a great option if you have an upset stomach and a headache or body aches at the same time.
- Alka-Seltzer (aspirin / citric acid / sodium bicarbonate) works quickly to relieve symptoms.
- Available over the counter without a prescription.
- Also, available as generic and is fairly cheap.
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What to expect from Alka-Seltzer, on one page
Download Fact Sheet
1055Downsides
- The effects of this medication don't last very long. Other medicines, like Zantac (H2 blockers) and omeprazole (proton pump inhibitors), work better and last longer.
- Because this medicine contains aspirin, it raises the risk of bleeding, especially if you take any other blood thinning medicines.
- People who are allergic to aspirin can't use this medication.
- May not like the taste or fizz.
- Kids or teenagers should not use Alka-Seltzer (aspirin / citric acid / sodium bicarbonate) unless instructed by a doctor.
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What to expect from Alka-Seltzer, on one page
Download Fact SheetAlka-Seltzer (aspirin / citric acid / sodium bicarbonate) contains sodium bicarbonate which is an antacid that lowers stomach acid, and aspirin which is a pain reliever that lowers pain and inflammation.
- Drug class: Gastrointestinal
- Rx status: Over-the-counter
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (aspirin / citric acid / sodium bicarbonate)
Used for
Dosage forms
- Effervescent tablet
What to expect when you take Alka-Seltzer (aspirin / citric acid / sodium bicarbonate) for Heartburn
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Full effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Upset stomach
- Belching
- Hiccups
- Stomach ulcers
Side effect rates for Alka-Seltzer (aspirin / citric acid / sodium bicarbonate)
Risks and Warnings for Alka-Seltzer (aspirin / citric acid / sodium bicarbonate)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- Higher risk if:
- › Not reading the drug label
There are many different over the counter medicines with the brand name Alka-Seltzer (aspirin / citric acid / sodium bicarbonate). Each one may contain different active ingredients. Be sure to read the labels carefully to understand what kind of medicine you have and what the correct dose should be. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Common concerns from people taking Alka-Seltzer (aspirin / citric acid / sodium bicarbonate)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?- If you have kidney or hyperparathyroid disease, levels of Alka-Seltzer (aspirin / citric acid / sodium bicarbonate) build up in your blood. This can cause toxic levels of sodium in your body. This is more likely to happen if you have severe kidney disease or are on dialysis.