frequently asked
questions
Alka-Seltzer®
frequently
asked
questions
Alka-Seltzer®
We have answers about how Alka-Seltzer® can help provide relief of heartburn, pain, hangover symptoms and more.
We have answers about how Alka-Seltzer® can help provide relief of heartburn, pain, hangover symptoms and more.
What’s the difference between Alka-Seltzer® effervescent tablets and ReliefChews®?
Effervescent tablets dissolve in water for fizzy, fast relief you can hear, see and feel. ReliefChews® are tasty, chewy and portable. Both deliver fast relief.
What is the difference between Alka-Seltzer® Fizzy Melts and Alka-Seltzer® effervescent tablets?
Alka-Seltzer® Fizzy Melts are dietary supplements for the relief of occasional heartburn, acid indigestion, sour stomach, and upset stomach.* Fizzy Melts don't need water to start working; instead, they melt on your tongue and provide fast, fizzy relief that you can take with you anytime, anywhere.*
Why should you take Alka-Seltzer® effervescent tablets for heartburn relief?
There are multiple benefits to using Alka-Seltzer® effervescent products. In short: the medicine dissolves fast and goes to work instantly, neutralizing acid on contact. Because the medicines in Alka-Seltzer® effervescent tablets are in the solution prior to ingestion, they do not require time to dissolve in the stomach.
Do Alka-Seltzer® products come in different flavors?
Alka-Seltzer® products come in many different flavors and forms:
Heartburn + Acid Indigestion Effervescent tablets flavors: Original, Lemon-Lime
Pain Relief Effervescent tablets flavors: Original, Orange Fizz
Hangover tablets flavors: Orange Fizz
ReliefChews® flavors: Tropical Punch, Assorted Fruit
Fizzy Melts flavors: Mixed Berry, Orange
Cool Action® Heartburn Relief Gum: Cool Mint
What are the active ingredients in Alka-Seltzer® effervescent products?
All effervescent products contain anhydrous citric acid (antacid) and sodium bicarbonate (antacid). Alka-Seltzer® Extra Strength Pain Relief + Caffeine Effervescent Tablets and Alka-Seltzer® Hangover Relief Effervescent Tablets contain aspirin and caffeine. Alka-Seltzer® Heartburn + Pain Effervescent Tablets contain aspirin.
What are the active ingredients in Alka-Seltzer® ReliefChews®?
ReliefChews® contain calcium carbonate (antacid). Heartburn+Gas ReliefChews® contain calcium carbonate (antacid) and simethicone (antigas).
What ingredient in Alka-Seltzer® Fizzy Melts helps to relieve occasional heartburn?*
Alka-Seltzer® Fizzy Melts contains calcium carbonate.
Does Alka-Seltzer® contain aspirin?
Alka-Seltzer® Heartburn + Pain Effervescent Tablets and Alka-Seltzer® Extra Strength Pain Relief + Caffeine Effervescent Tablets contain aspirin. The rest of our products do not.
Do Alka-Seltzer® effervescent products contain sodium?
Yes, Alka-Seltzer® effervescent tablets contain sodium in the form of sodium bicarbonate. The amount of sodium per tablet in each product is listed below.
These products are intended for short-term use. Ask a doctor before taking if you are on a sodium-restricted diet. You should stop taking the effervescent tablets and speak with your doctor if you need to use the product longer than recommended on the label.
Product | Sodium (per tablet) |
|---|---|
Alka-Seltzer® Heartburn & Acid Indigestion | 489 mg |
Alka-Seltzer® Extra Strength Heartburn & Acid Indigestion | 586 mg |
Alka-Seltzer® Hangover Relief | 371 mg |
Alka-Seltzer® Pain Relief | 568 mg |
Alka-Seltzer® Extra Strength Pain Relief + Caffeine | 371 mg |
Alka-Seltzer® Heartburn + Pain | 568 mg |
Do Alka-Seltzer® Fizzy Melts contain sodium?
Yes, Alka-Seltzer® Fizzy Melts contain 120mg of sodium per 2 tablets.
Does Alka-Seltzer® contain PPA (phenylpropanolamine)?
No, none of the Alka-Seltzer® formulas have ever contained PPA (phenylpropanolamine). PPA was removed from Alka-Seltzer Plus® cold products in 2000.
How much caffeine does Alka-Seltzer® Hangover Relief Effervescent Tablets contain?
Each 2-tablet dose of Alka-Seltzer® Hangover Relief Effervescent Tablets and Alka-Seltzer® Extra Strength Pain + Caffeine Relief Tablets contains 130 mg of caffeine. A typical cup of coffee contains about 75 mg of caffeine.
When should you take Alka-Seltzer® Hangover Relief Effervescent Tablets?
Take Alka-Seltzer® Hangover Relief Effervescent Tablets when you need fast relief from headache or body aches with mental fatigue.
What temperature of water should you use to dissolve Alka-Seltzer® tablets?
The best temperature is room temperature. Cold water will slow down dissolution and warm water can make it foam excessively.
What makes Alka-Seltzer® fizz?
Alka-Seltzer® contains citric acid and sodium bicarbonate (baking soda). When you drop the tablet in water, the acid and the baking soda react — this produces the fizz.
What does it mean when Alka-Seltzer® doesn’t fizz?
This is a sign that the tablets may have started to break down because there is an imperfection in the packaging. The product may not be effective. Call 1-800-986-0369.
Can you take Alka-Seltzer® if you are diabetic?
Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if you are taking a prescription medicine for diabetes.
Can you use the Alka-Seltzer® formulas beyond the expiration date?
We recommend that you discard any expired Alka-Seltzer® product.
Can I use Alka-Seltzer® products if I’m pregnant or nursing?
As with any drug or dietary supplement, if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, ask your healthcare professional before using any Alka-Seltzer® product.
How long can you use Alka-Seltzer®?
Please read label directions to find out how long to use each Alka-Seltzer® product.
Is Alka-Seltzer® the same as baking soda?
Not exactly. Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) does not contain anhydrous citric acid, the main active ingredient in Alka-Seltzer® effervescent tablets that relieves heartburn and acid indigestion.
Where can you buy Alka-Seltzer® products?
Alka-Seltzer® products are available in most drug stores, food stores, mass merchandisers and club stores. If you do not find them on your local store shelf, ask the store manager to order them for you. We have found that most stores make their purchasing decisions based on consumer interest.
*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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