Description:

Alka-Seltzer Original  is an effervescent tablet that dissolves in water to provide fast relief from heartburn, acid indigestion, sour stomach, and pain (headache, body aches, muscle pain, menstrual pain, toothache, backache, or minor arthritis pain). It combines an analgesic (aspirin) with dual antacids (sodium bicarbonate and citric acid) that react to produce fizz, neutralize stomach acid, and deliver rapid absorption for quicker relief than non-effervescent aspirin.

Prescription: Over-the-counter (OTC). No prescription required; available without a prescription in pharmacies and stores worldwide, including Ghana.

Therapeutic Category:

Analgesic / Antacid combination (NSAID + dual antacid for pain relief with acid neutralization.

Active Ingredients/Composition: Each effervescent tablet contains:

• Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid, NSAID) 325 mg – analgesic/pain reliever and fever reducer
• Anhydrous citric acid 1000 mg – antacid
• Sodium bicarbonate (heat-treated) 1916 mg – antacid (When dissolved in water, citric acid and sodium bicarbonate react to form sodium citrate and carbon dioxide gas for effervescence; aspirin is the primary pain-relieving component.)

Vitamins: None.

Minerals: None (sodium from sodium bicarbonate is incidental, not a therapeutic mineral; each tablet contains about 567-568 mg sodium).

Variant: Original Flavor effervescent tablets (standard aspirin-containing formula; differs from aspirin-free antacid versions, Extra Strength, or flavored variants like Lemon-Lime).

Consume Type:

Oral (effervescent tablet; fully dissolve in 4 ounces/120 ml water before drinking; fizzy solution).

Directions/Usage: Adults and children 12 years and over: Fully dissolve 2 tablets in 4 ounces of water, take every 4 hours as needed, or as directed by a doctor. Do not exceed 8 tablets in 24 hours. Adults 60 years and over: Do not exceed 4 tablets in 24 hours. Children under 12 years: Consult a doctor. Do not use for more than 3 days for pain/fever or 14 days for heartburn without medical advice. Drink the solution immediately after dissolving.

Common Side Effects:

• Stomach upset or heartburn (from aspirin)
• Nausea or vomiting
• Mild allergic reactions (rash, itching)
• Increased bleeding tendency (aspirin effect) Serious (seek immediate help): Severe stomach pain, black/tarry stools, vomiting blood (stomach bleeding), ringing in ears/hearing loss, severe allergic reaction (hives, swelling, wheezing), Reye’s syndrome in children/teens with viral illness.

Package Type:

Pouches or foil packets (containing 1 or 2 tablets each) or bottles (e.g., 12, 24, 36, or 72 tablets); effervescent tablets in sealed pouches within carton.

Storage Advice: Store at room temperature (below 25-30°C). Avoid excessive heat (do not store above 30°C). Keep in original packaging/pouch. Protect from moisture (effervescent reaction starts with water). Keep out of reach of children.

Safety Advice:

• Reye’s syndrome warning: Children/teens recovering from chicken pox/flu-like symptoms should not use (risk of serious brain/liver damage).
• Stomach bleeding warning: Higher risk if age 60+, history of ulcers/bleeding, on blood thinners/steroids/other NSAIDs, 3+ alcoholic drinks daily, or taking more/longer than directed.
• Allergy alert: Aspirin may cause severe allergic reaction (hives, facial swelling, asthma, shock).
• Do not use if allergic to aspirin/other NSAIDs, have asthma exacerbated by NSAIDs, stomach ulcers/bleeding, or children/teens with viral illness.
• Consult doctor before use if high blood pressure, heart disease, liver/kidney disease, stomach problems, asthma, sodium-restricted diet, or taking diuretic/prescription drugs.
• Pregnancy/breastfeeding: Consult health professional.
• Stop use and seek medical help for signs of stomach bleeding, allergic reaction, or new/worsening symptoms.

Product Substitutes: Other effervescent aspirin + antacid tablets: Alka-Seltzer Extra Strength, generic aspirin effervescent antacids, or similar buffered aspirin products. For heartburn/acid only: Alka-Seltzer Gold (aspirin-free), Gaviscon, Rennie, or Maalox. For pain only: Regular aspirin tablets or paracetamol. Consult pharmacist for symptom-specific alternatives.

Manufacturer/Marketer:

Bayer Consumer Health

Country of Origin:

Germany