Alka-Seltzer Original Tablets 325mg/965mg/1625mg – 10 Tablets
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What Are Alka-Seltzer Original Tablets Used For?
Alka-Seltzer Original is one of the most recognisable medicines on the market, combining fast-acting analgesic and antacid properties in a single effervescent tablet that dissolves completely in water before being swallowed as a solution. It is designed to help relieve a broad range of common complaints where pain and stomach discomfort frequently occur together, making it a practical all-in-one option for the medicine cabinet. The product is suitable for adults and young people aged 16 and over and is available in a 10-tablet pack for everyday convenience.
Alka-Seltzer Original contains two primary active ingredients working in complementary ways. Aspirin at 325mg per tablet is a well-established non-steroidal anti-inflammatory analgesic and antipyretic that helps to relieve pain — including headache, migraine headache, dental pain, period pain, sore throat, and the aches associated with colds and influenza — and to reduce fever. Aspirin inhibits prostaglandin synthesis, the mechanism that underpins pain, inflammation, and raised temperature. The second component is a buffer system based on sodium bicarbonate and citric acid. These two ingredients react together when the tablet dissolves in water, producing a solution that is mildly alkaline and helps to neutralise excess stomach acid, providing antacid relief from indigestion and stomach upset. This buffered formulation also significantly reduces the gastric irritation that can be associated with aspirin taken in its plain tablet form, making the solution easier on the stomach.
The effervescent format provides a practical advantage beyond gastric tolerability. The tablet dissolves rapidly in a glass of water, producing a clear, palatable solution that is absorbed quickly once swallowed. This faster dissolution and absorption means the active ingredients reach the bloodstream more rapidly than many standard solid-dose tablets, potentially offering a quicker onset of relief. The characteristic fizzing action as the tablet dissolves is the result of the reaction between sodium bicarbonate and citric acid, which also produces the carbon dioxide that makes the solution effervescent.
Alka-Seltzer Original must not be given to children under 16 years of age due to the risk of Reye's syndrome associated with aspirin use in this age group. Those with aspirin or salicylate allergy, active peptic ulcers, or bleeding disorders must not use this product. The tablets contain a significant amount of sodium, which is a consideration for those following a sodium-restricted diet. If your symptoms are severe, persistent, or not responding to over-the-counter treatment, seek advice from a Pearl Chemist Group pharmacist or your GP. You can also browse our full pain relief range and our heartburn and indigestion products for further options.
How to Use Alka-Seltzer Original Tablets
- Fill a glass with water. Use a full glass of water — at least 200ml (roughly a standard-sized tumbler). Cold or room-temperature water is fine. Do not use hot water.
- Drop the tablets into the water. Remove 2 tablets from the foil blister and drop them directly into the water. Do not attempt to swallow the tablets whole.
- Wait for complete dissolution. Allow the tablets to fully dissolve, which takes approximately one to two minutes. The characteristic fizzing will subside as the reaction completes. Do not drink the solution until the tablets have fully dissolved.
- Drink the solution. Once the tablets have fully dissolved and the fizzing has stopped, drink the entire solution.
- Repeat as needed. A further dose may be taken every 4 hours if symptoms persist. Do not exceed 8 tablets in 24 hours.
Practical tips
- Taking Alka-Seltzer with or after food may further reduce the likelihood of stomach irritation, although the buffered formulation already provides significant protection.
- Do not take with fruit juice, as the acidity of fruit juice may affect the buffering action of the formulation.
- Store tablets in their sealed foil blister packaging until use, as moisture will cause the tablets to begin reacting prematurely.
Alka-Seltzer Original Tablets Side Effects
Like all medicines containing aspirin, Alka-Seltzer Original can cause side effects, although not everybody experiences them.
Common side effects (may affect more than 1 in 10 people)
- Nausea or stomach discomfort — the buffered formulation significantly reduces this compared with plain aspirin tablets, but some individuals may still experience mild gastrointestinal upset
Less common side effects (may affect between 1 in 10 and 1 in 100 people)
- Heartburn or indigestion despite the antacid buffering
- Vomiting
- Increased bleeding tendency, including prolonged bleeding from cuts, due to aspirin's antiplatelet effect
Rare side effects (may affect fewer than 1 in 100 people)
- Gastrointestinal ulceration or bleeding — symptoms include black or tarry stools, blood in vomit, or severe stomach pain
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) — this may indicate aspirin toxicity; reduce or stop dosing and consult a pharmacist or doctor
- Worsening of asthma symptoms or bronchospasm in aspirin-sensitive individuals
- Skin rash or urticaria (hives) in those sensitive to aspirin or salicylates
- Hypersensitivity or allergic reactions
Stop using and seek urgent medical help if you experience:
- Black or tarry stools, vomiting blood, or severe stomach pain — signs of gastrointestinal bleeding
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus), which may indicate aspirin toxicity
- Worsening breathing or a severe asthma attack
- Signs of a serious allergic reaction including facial swelling, throat swelling, or difficulty breathing — call 999 immediately
Report any unexpected reaction via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk or speak to your Pearl Chemist Group pharmacist.
How to Store Alka-Seltzer Original Tablets 10 Pack
- Temperature: Store below 25°C in a dry place. Moisture will cause the tablets to react prematurely and become unusable.
- Packaging: Keep tablets in the original sealed foil blister packaging until use. Do not remove from the blister until immediately before dissolving.
- Do not refrigerate — condensation in a refrigerator introduces moisture that will damage the tablets.
- Children: Keep out of the sight and reach of children at all times.
- Expiry: Do not use after the expiry date printed on the blister and outer carton.
- Disposal: Return unused or out-of-date tablets to your Pearl Chemist Group pharmacy for safe disposal. Do not dispose of via wastewater or household waste.
Who Are Alka-Seltzer Original Tablets Suitable For?
Alka-Seltzer Original Effervescent Tablets are suitable for adults and young people aged 16 and over who experience headache, pain, feverishness, or indigestion and stomach discomfort — particularly when these symptoms occur together.
Suitable for:
- Adults aged 18 and over with headache, migraine headache, dental pain, period pain, or sore throat
- Those experiencing feverishness, aches, and malaise associated with colds and influenza
- People with indigestion or stomach upset accompanying a headache or cold symptoms
- Young people aged 16 to 17, subject to appropriate adult supervision
- Those who prefer an effervescent solution format over standard tablets or capsules
Not suitable for — do not use if you:
- Are under 16 years of age — aspirin must not be given to children and young people under 16 due to the risk of Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious condition affecting the brain and liver
- Have a known allergy to aspirin, salicylates, ibuprofen, or other NSAIDs
- Have an active or recent peptic ulcer or a history of significant gastrointestinal bleeding
- Have haemophilia or any other bleeding disorder
- Have severe kidney, liver, or heart failure
- Are in the third trimester of pregnancy
- Have a known hypersensitivity to any ingredient
Use with caution or seek advice first if you:
- Take anticoagulants such as warfarin or other blood-thinning medicines
- Take any other NSAID or aspirin-containing product regularly
- Have asthma — aspirin can trigger bronchospasm in some individuals
- Are on a sodium-restricted diet, as each two-tablet dose contains approximately 1.7g of sodium
- Are pregnant (first or second trimester) or breastfeeding
- Are elderly, due to increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding
- Have kidney impairment, gout, or diabetes
Our Pearl Chemist Group pharmacists are available for free, confidential guidance on whether Alka-Seltzer Original is appropriate for your symptoms.
Active Ingredients in Alka-Seltzer Original Tablets
| Ingredient | Strength per tablet | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) | 325mg | The primary analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory active ingredient. Aspirin belongs to the NSAID class and works by irreversibly inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, reducing the production of prostaglandins that mediate pain, inflammation, and fever. It helps to relieve headache, migraine, dental pain, period pain, sore throat, and the aches and fever associated with colds and influenza. The 325mg dose per tablet is a standard analgesic dose providing effective relief when two tablets are taken together. |
| Sodium bicarbonate | 1916mg | Serves a dual purpose. It reacts with citric acid when the tablet is dissolved in water to produce an effervescent, mildly alkaline solution, and it provides antacid activity by neutralising excess stomach acid. This helps to relieve indigestion and stomach discomfort and reduces the potential for gastric irritation associated with aspirin when the latter is taken in plain tablet form. |
| Citric acid | 1000mg | Reacts with sodium bicarbonate in water to produce the characteristic effervescence and the mildly alkaline buffered solution. Citric acid also contributes to the palatability of the dissolved solution and helps to maintain the stability of the effervescent tablet in its dry, undissolved form. |
Note: The declared product strengths of 325mg/965mg/1625mg should be verified against the current patient information leaflet, as the sodium bicarbonate and citric acid figures may refer to the salts produced in solution. Please confirm with the PIL supplied in the pack before relying on these figures for clinical reference.
Alka-Seltzer Original Tablets Dosage — How Much to Take
Adults and young people aged 16 and over
- Dose: 2 tablets dissolved in a full glass of water (at least 200ml).
- Frequency: Every 4 hours as needed.
- Maximum daily dose: 8 tablets (4 doses) in any 24-hour period.
- How to take: Drop the tablets into a full glass of water and wait until they have completely dissolved before drinking the solution. Do not swallow undissolved tablets.
Children and young people under 16
Do not give to anyone under 16 years of age. Aspirin is associated with Reye's syndrome — a rare but serious and potentially fatal condition — in children and young people under 16. This applies regardless of the indication.
Elderly patients
Use with caution. Elderly patients have an increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and adverse renal effects from aspirin. Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest necessary period and seek pharmacist or GP advice before regular use.
Important dosage notes
- Always fully dissolve tablets before drinking — never swallow undissolved tablets.
- Do not take more than 8 tablets in any 24-hour period.
- Do not use for more than 3 days for pain or 3 days for fever without seeking medical advice.
- Do not take alongside other aspirin, salicylate, or NSAID-containing products.
Precautions When Using Alka-Seltzer Original Tablets
Before you use this product
- Check the expiry date on the blister pack and outer packaging. Tablets that have deteriorated in appearance or have been exposed to moisture should not be used.
- Confirm you do not have an aspirin or NSAID allergy before use.
- Review drug interactions — particularly anticoagulants, methotrexate, and SSRIs — and consult your pharmacist if you take any regular medicines.
- Do not give to anyone under 16 years of age under any circumstances.
- Do not use in the third trimester of pregnancy.
- Check your sodium intake if you are on a medically supervised sodium-restricted diet.
During use
- Always fully dissolve tablets before drinking. Never swallow undissolved tablets.
- Do not exceed 8 tablets in 24 hours.
- Do not use alongside other aspirin, salicylate, or NSAID-containing products.
- Store tablets in sealed foil packaging — moisture will initiate the effervescent reaction prematurely and render tablets unusable.
Duration of use
- Do not use for more than 3 consecutive days for pain or fever without pharmacist or GP advice.
- If symptoms are not improving or are worsening within this period, seek medical assessment.
When to seek urgent medical advice
- Symptoms are severe, worsening, or accompanied by high fever, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, or confusion.
- You experience black or bloody stools, vomiting blood, or severe stomach pain — these may indicate gastrointestinal bleeding.
- Symptoms of an allergic reaction develop — call 999 immediately if severe.
Our Pearl Chemist Group pharmacists are available for free consultations and can advise on appropriate pain and symptom management.
Full Ingredients in Alka-Seltzer Original Tablets
Active ingredients per tablet: aspirin 325mg, sodium bicarbonate 1916mg, citric acid 1000mg.
Alka-Seltzer Original Effervescent Tablets contain only these three active ingredients and no additional excipients. The tablet is formed entirely from the active components, which react together when dissolved in water to produce the effervescent solution.
This product contains a significant amount of sodium — approximately 1.7g of sodium per two-tablet dose. If you have been advised by your doctor to follow a low-sodium diet, consult your pharmacist before use.
If you have any concern about any ingredient, speak to a Pearl Chemist Group pharmacist before use.
Note: The declared product strengths should be verified against the current patient information leaflet enclosed in the pack. Last reviewed: May 2026.
Always read the patient information leaflet before use. A copy is included in the pack. For advice, speak to a Pearl Chemist pharmacist or call +44 (0)20 8672 2157.
What Are Alka-Seltzer Original Tablets Used For?
Alka-Seltzer Original is one of the most recognisable medicines on the market, combining fast-acting analgesic and antacid properties in a single effervescent tablet that dissolves completely in water before being swallowed as a solution. It is designed to help relieve a broad range of common complaints where pain and stomach discomfort frequently occur together, making it a practical all-in-one option for the medicine cabinet. The product is suitable for adults and young people aged 16 and over and is available in a 10-tablet pack for everyday convenience.
Alka-Seltzer Original contains two primary active ingredients working in complementary ways. Aspirin at 325mg per tablet is a well-established non-steroidal anti-inflammatory analgesic and antipyretic that helps to relieve pain — including headache, migraine headache, dental pain, period pain, sore throat, and the aches associated with colds and influenza — and to reduce fever. Aspirin inhibits prostaglandin synthesis, the mechanism that underpins pain, inflammation, and raised temperature. The second component is a buffer system based on sodium bicarbonate and citric acid. These two ingredients react together when the tablet dissolves in water, producing a solution that is mildly alkaline and helps to neutralise excess stomach acid, providing antacid relief from indigestion and stomach upset. This buffered formulation also significantly reduces the gastric irritation that can be associated with aspirin taken in its plain tablet form, making the solution easier on the stomach.
The effervescent format provides a practical advantage beyond gastric tolerability. The tablet dissolves rapidly in a glass of water, producing a clear, palatable solution that is absorbed quickly once swallowed. This faster dissolution and absorption means the active ingredients reach the bloodstream more rapidly than many standard solid-dose tablets, potentially offering a quicker onset of relief. The characteristic fizzing action as the tablet dissolves is the result of the reaction between sodium bicarbonate and citric acid, which also produces the carbon dioxide that makes the solution effervescent.
Alka-Seltzer Original must not be given to children under 16 years of age due to the risk of Reye's syndrome associated with aspirin use in this age group. Those with aspirin or salicylate allergy, active peptic ulcers, or bleeding disorders must not use this product. The tablets contain a significant amount of sodium, which is a consideration for those following a sodium-restricted diet. If your symptoms are severe, persistent, or not responding to over-the-counter treatment, seek advice from a Pearl Chemist Group pharmacist or your GP. You can also browse our full pain relief range and our heartburn and indigestion products for further options.
How to Use Alka-Seltzer Original Tablets
- Fill a glass with water. Use a full glass of water — at least 200ml (roughly a standard-sized tumbler). Cold or room-temperature water is fine. Do not use hot water.
- Drop the tablets into the water. Remove 2 tablets from the foil blister and drop them directly into the water. Do not attempt to swallow the tablets whole.
- Wait for complete dissolution. Allow the tablets to fully dissolve, which takes approximately one to two minutes. The characteristic fizzing will subside as the reaction completes. Do not drink the solution until the tablets have fully dissolved.
- Drink the solution. Once the tablets have fully dissolved and the fizzing has stopped, drink the entire solution.
- Repeat as needed. A further dose may be taken every 4 hours if symptoms persist. Do not exceed 8 tablets in 24 hours.
Practical tips
- Taking Alka-Seltzer with or after food may further reduce the likelihood of stomach irritation, although the buffered formulation already provides significant protection.
- Do not take with fruit juice, as the acidity of fruit juice may affect the buffering action of the formulation.
- Store tablets in their sealed foil blister packaging until use, as moisture will cause the tablets to begin reacting prematurely.
Alka-Seltzer Original Tablets Side Effects
Like all medicines containing aspirin, Alka-Seltzer Original can cause side effects, although not everybody experiences them.
Common side effects (may affect more than 1 in 10 people)
- Nausea or stomach discomfort — the buffered formulation significantly reduces this compared with plain aspirin tablets, but some individuals may still experience mild gastrointestinal upset
Less common side effects (may affect between 1 in 10 and 1 in 100 people)
- Heartburn or indigestion despite the antacid buffering
- Vomiting
- Increased bleeding tendency, including prolonged bleeding from cuts, due to aspirin's antiplatelet effect
Rare side effects (may affect fewer than 1 in 100 people)
- Gastrointestinal ulceration or bleeding — symptoms include black or tarry stools, blood in vomit, or severe stomach pain
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) — this may indicate aspirin toxicity; reduce or stop dosing and consult a pharmacist or doctor
- Worsening of asthma symptoms or bronchospasm in aspirin-sensitive individuals
- Skin rash or urticaria (hives) in those sensitive to aspirin or salicylates
- Hypersensitivity or allergic reactions
Stop using and seek urgent medical help if you experience:
- Black or tarry stools, vomiting blood, or severe stomach pain — signs of gastrointestinal bleeding
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus), which may indicate aspirin toxicity
- Worsening breathing or a severe asthma attack
- Signs of a serious allergic reaction including facial swelling, throat swelling, or difficulty breathing — call 999 immediately
Report any unexpected reaction via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk or speak to your Pearl Chemist Group pharmacist.
How to Store Alka-Seltzer Original Tablets 10 Pack
- Temperature: Store below 25°C in a dry place. Moisture will cause the tablets to react prematurely and become unusable.
- Packaging: Keep tablets in the original sealed foil blister packaging until use. Do not remove from the blister until immediately before dissolving.
- Do not refrigerate — condensation in a refrigerator introduces moisture that will damage the tablets.
- Children: Keep out of the sight and reach of children at all times.
- Expiry: Do not use after the expiry date printed on the blister and outer carton.
- Disposal: Return unused or out-of-date tablets to your Pearl Chemist Group pharmacy for safe disposal. Do not dispose of via wastewater or household waste.
Who Are Alka-Seltzer Original Tablets Suitable For?
Alka-Seltzer Original Effervescent Tablets are suitable for adults and young people aged 16 and over who experience headache, pain, feverishness, or indigestion and stomach discomfort — particularly when these symptoms occur together.
Suitable for:
- Adults aged 18 and over with headache, migraine headache, dental pain, period pain, or sore throat
- Those experiencing feverishness, aches, and malaise associated with colds and influenza
- People with indigestion or stomach upset accompanying a headache or cold symptoms
- Young people aged 16 to 17, subject to appropriate adult supervision
- Those who prefer an effervescent solution format over standard tablets or capsules
Not suitable for — do not use if you:
- Are under 16 years of age — aspirin must not be given to children and young people under 16 due to the risk of Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious condition affecting the brain and liver
- Have a known allergy to aspirin, salicylates, ibuprofen, or other NSAIDs
- Have an active or recent peptic ulcer or a history of significant gastrointestinal bleeding
- Have haemophilia or any other bleeding disorder
- Have severe kidney, liver, or heart failure
- Are in the third trimester of pregnancy
- Have a known hypersensitivity to any ingredient
Use with caution or seek advice first if you:
- Take anticoagulants such as warfarin or other blood-thinning medicines
- Take any other NSAID or aspirin-containing product regularly
- Have asthma — aspirin can trigger bronchospasm in some individuals
- Are on a sodium-restricted diet, as each two-tablet dose contains approximately 1.7g of sodium
- Are pregnant (first or second trimester) or breastfeeding
- Are elderly, due to increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding
- Have kidney impairment, gout, or diabetes
Our Pearl Chemist Group pharmacists are available for free, confidential guidance on whether Alka-Seltzer Original is appropriate for your symptoms.
Active Ingredients in Alka-Seltzer Original Tablets
| Ingredient | Strength per tablet | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) | 325mg | The primary analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory active ingredient. Aspirin belongs to the NSAID class and works by irreversibly inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, reducing the production of prostaglandins that mediate pain, inflammation, and fever. It helps to relieve headache, migraine, dental pain, period pain, sore throat, and the aches and fever associated with colds and influenza. The 325mg dose per tablet is a standard analgesic dose providing effective relief when two tablets are taken together. |
| Sodium bicarbonate | 1916mg | Serves a dual purpose. It reacts with citric acid when the tablet is dissolved in water to produce an effervescent, mildly alkaline solution, and it provides antacid activity by neutralising excess stomach acid. This helps to relieve indigestion and stomach discomfort and reduces the potential for gastric irritation associated with aspirin when the latter is taken in plain tablet form. |
| Citric acid | 1000mg | Reacts with sodium bicarbonate in water to produce the characteristic effervescence and the mildly alkaline buffered solution. Citric acid also contributes to the palatability of the dissolved solution and helps to maintain the stability of the effervescent tablet in its dry, undissolved form. |
Note: The declared product strengths of 325mg/965mg/1625mg should be verified against the current patient information leaflet, as the sodium bicarbonate and citric acid figures may refer to the salts produced in solution. Please confirm with the PIL supplied in the pack before relying on these figures for clinical reference.
Alka-Seltzer Original Tablets Dosage — How Much to Take
Adults and young people aged 16 and over
- Dose: 2 tablets dissolved in a full glass of water (at least 200ml).
- Frequency: Every 4 hours as needed.
- Maximum daily dose: 8 tablets (4 doses) in any 24-hour period.
- How to take: Drop the tablets into a full glass of water and wait until they have completely dissolved before drinking the solution. Do not swallow undissolved tablets.
Children and young people under 16
Do not give to anyone under 16 years of age. Aspirin is associated with Reye's syndrome — a rare but serious and potentially fatal condition — in children and young people under 16. This applies regardless of the indication.
Elderly patients
Use with caution. Elderly patients have an increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and adverse renal effects from aspirin. Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest necessary period and seek pharmacist or GP advice before regular use.
Important dosage notes
- Always fully dissolve tablets before drinking — never swallow undissolved tablets.
- Do not take more than 8 tablets in any 24-hour period.
- Do not use for more than 3 days for pain or 3 days for fever without seeking medical advice.
- Do not take alongside other aspirin, salicylate, or NSAID-containing products.
Precautions When Using Alka-Seltzer Original Tablets
Before you use this product
- Check the expiry date on the blister pack and outer packaging. Tablets that have deteriorated in appearance or have been exposed to moisture should not be used.
- Confirm you do not have an aspirin or NSAID allergy before use.
- Review drug interactions — particularly anticoagulants, methotrexate, and SSRIs — and consult your pharmacist if you take any regular medicines.
- Do not give to anyone under 16 years of age under any circumstances.
- Do not use in the third trimester of pregnancy.
- Check your sodium intake if you are on a medically supervised sodium-restricted diet.
During use
- Always fully dissolve tablets before drinking. Never swallow undissolved tablets.
- Do not exceed 8 tablets in 24 hours.
- Do not use alongside other aspirin, salicylate, or NSAID-containing products.
- Store tablets in sealed foil packaging — moisture will initiate the effervescent reaction prematurely and render tablets unusable.
Duration of use
- Do not use for more than 3 consecutive days for pain or fever without pharmacist or GP advice.
- If symptoms are not improving or are worsening within this period, seek medical assessment.
When to seek urgent medical advice
- Symptoms are severe, worsening, or accompanied by high fever, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, or confusion.
- You experience black or bloody stools, vomiting blood, or severe stomach pain — these may indicate gastrointestinal bleeding.
- Symptoms of an allergic reaction develop — call 999 immediately if severe.
Our Pearl Chemist Group pharmacists are available for free consultations and can advise on appropriate pain and symptom management.
Full Ingredients in Alka-Seltzer Original Tablets
Active ingredients per tablet: aspirin 325mg, sodium bicarbonate 1916mg, citric acid 1000mg.
Alka-Seltzer Original Effervescent Tablets contain only these three active ingredients and no additional excipients. The tablet is formed entirely from the active components, which react together when dissolved in water to produce the effervescent solution.
This product contains a significant amount of sodium — approximately 1.7g of sodium per two-tablet dose. If you have been advised by your doctor to follow a low-sodium diet, consult your pharmacist before use.
If you have any concern about any ingredient, speak to a Pearl Chemist Group pharmacist before use.
Note: The declared product strengths should be verified against the current patient information leaflet enclosed in the pack. Last reviewed: May 2026.
Always read the patient information leaflet before use. A copy is included in the pack. For advice, speak to a Pearl Chemist pharmacist or call +44 (0)20 8672 2157.
FAQs
Why must Alka-Seltzer Original not be given to anyone under 16?
Alka-Seltzer Original contains aspirin, which must not be given to children and young people under 16 years of age due to the risk of Reye's syndrome. Reye's syndrome is a rare but serious condition that can cause severe damage to the brain and liver and can be fatal. It has been associated with aspirin use in children and young people, particularly during or following a viral illness such as a cold or influenza. This restriction applies regardless of the purpose for which the product is being considered. For pain and fever relief in children, paracetamol-based products are a safe and appropriate alternative.
Why do the tablets need to be fully dissolved before drinking?
Swallowing undissolved aspirin tablets directly can cause localised irritation and damage to the lining of the oesophagus and stomach. The effervescent system in Alka-Seltzer is designed so that the aspirin is fully dissolved and buffered in a mildly alkaline solution before it reaches the stomach, which significantly reduces the risk of gastric irritation. Always wait for complete dissolution and the cessation of fizzing before drinking the solution.
Can I take Alka-Seltzer Original if I am on a low-sodium diet?
Each two-tablet dose of Alka-Seltzer Original contains approximately 1.7g of sodium. This is a significant amount, comparable to a substantial proportion of the recommended daily sodium limit. If you have been advised to restrict your sodium intake for medical reasons — such as high blood pressure, heart failure, or kidney disease — you should consult your GP or pharmacist before using this product. Alternative analgesic preparations that do not contain sodium may be more appropriate for your needs.
Can Alka-Seltzer Original be taken with food?
Yes. Although the buffered formulation significantly reduces the gastric irritation that can occur with plain aspirin tablets, taking the dissolved solution with or just after food may provide additional reassurance for those with a sensitive stomach. However, do not mix the solution directly with food or other drinks — always dissolve the tablets fully in plain water first and then drink the solution.
How is Alka-Seltzer Original different from Alka-Seltzer XS?
Alka-Seltzer Original contains aspirin, sodium bicarbonate, and citric acid, providing analgesic and antacid relief for headache, pain, feverishness, and indigestion. Alka-Seltzer XS contains a different formulation that additionally includes paracetamol and caffeine alongside aspirin, making it more specifically targeted at stronger or more complex pain and headache relief, including hangover-related symptoms. If you are unsure which formulation is more suitable for your symptoms, speak to a Pearl Chemist Group pharmacist.
I take warfarin — can I use Alka-Seltzer Original?
No, not without specific medical guidance. Aspirin significantly enhances the anticoagulant effect of warfarin and substantially increases the risk of bleeding, including serious internal bleeding. If you take warfarin or any other anticoagulant medicine, do not use Alka-Seltzer Original without first consulting your GP or pharmacist. There are effective aspirin-free pain relief options available that do not carry this interaction risk.
Can Alka-Seltzer Original be used for a hangover?
Alka-Seltzer Original is indicated for the relief of headache and indigestion or stomach upset, and may provide some symptomatic relief for the headache and gastric discomfort that can accompany a hangover. However, those who have consumed significant amounts of alcohol should be aware that alcohol increases the risk of gastrointestinal irritation and bleeding with aspirin. Alka-Seltzer XS is specifically marketed for hangover-related symptoms. Consult your pharmacist if you are unsure which product is most appropriate.
Why are the tablets packaged in foil blisters?
The foil blister packaging is essential for the tablets' stability. Alka-Seltzer Original tablets begin to react when exposed to moisture — the same effervescent reaction that occurs when the tablet is dropped into water. Without the moisture-proof foil packaging, humidity in the air would cause the tablets to deteriorate over time. Always keep tablets in their sealed foil blisters until you are ready to use them, and never store them in a container where they could be exposed to moisture.