FREQUENTLY ASKED
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Here are answers to some of the most asked questions.
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General FAQs
What’s the difference between Alka-Seltzer effervescent tablets and ReliefChews?
Effervescent tablets dissolve in water for fizzy, refreshing relief you can hear, see and feel. ReliefChews are delicious, chewy and portable. Both deliver fast relief. Learn more about our products here.
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 I take Alka-Seltzer effervescent tablets for heartburn relief instead of a heartburn relief medication in a tablet I simply swallow?
There are multiple advantages 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 effervescents are in solution prior to ingestion, they do not require time to dissolve in the stomach like similar active ingredients taken in a tablet form.
Do Alka-Seltzer products come in different flavors?
Alka Seltzer products come in many different flavors and forms:
Effervescent tablets flavors: Original, Lemon Lime
Hangover tablets flavors: Orange fizz
Relief Chews flavors: Tropical Punch, Assorted Fruit
Energy Boost tablets: Tropical Punch
PM Gummies flavors: Mixed Berry
Fizzy Melts flavors: Mixed Berry, Orange
Learn more about our products here.
What are the active ingredients in Alka-Seltzer effervescent products?
All effervescent products contain anhydrous citric acid (antacid) and sodium bicarbonate (antacid). Alka-Seltzer Original, Extra Strength and Lemon-Lime also contain aspirin (analgesic). Alka-Seltzer Gold contains potassium bicarbonate (antacid). Learn more about our products here.
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 Fizzy Melts helps to relieve occasional heartburn?
Fizzy Melts contain Calcium Carbonate.
Does Alka-Seltzer contain aspirin?
Alka-Seltzer Original, Extra Strength and Lemon-Lime contain aspirin. The rest of our products do not.
Do Alka-Seltzer 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.
The sodium in the Alka-Seltzer Effervescent products plays an important role, enabling the medication to dissolve quickly in water and begin neutralizing acid as soon as ingested.
These products are intended for short-term use. Ask a doctor before use if you are on a sodium-restricted diet. You should stop use and speak with your doctor if you need to use the product longer than recommended on the label.
Product | Sodium per tablet (mg) | Labeled Duration of use |
---|---|---|
Alka-Seltzer Original | 567 | 10 days |
Alka-Seltzer Extra Strength | 588 | 10 days |
Alka-Seltzer Lemon Lime | 504 | 10 days |
Alka-Seltzer Heartburn | 575 | 14 days |
Alka-Seltzer Gold | 309 | 14 days |
Do Fizzy Melts contain sodium?
Yes, 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 contain?
Each two tablet dose of Alka-Seltzer Hangover Relief contains 130 mg of caffeine. A typical cup of coffee contains about 95 mg of caffeine.
When should I take Alka-Seltzer Hangover Relief?
Take Alka-Seltzer Hangover Relief when you need fast relief from headache, body ache or mental fatigue.
What temperature of water should I 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.
I am diabetic, is it okay for me to take Alka-Seltzer?
Ask a Doctor or Pharmacist before use if you are taking a prescription medicine for diabetes.
Can I Use the Alka-Seltzer formulas beyond the expiration date?
We recommend that you discard any expired Alka-Seltzer product. It won’t be harmful if ingested, but it may not be as effective in relieving your symptoms.
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 health professional before using any Alka-Seltzer product.
Do hangovers result from excessive drinking?
The symptoms commonly referred to as a "hangover" aren't necessarily a result of excessive drinking. A single alcoholic drink is enough to trigger a hangover for some people, while others may drink heavily and escape the symptoms entirely.
How long can I 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 relieve heartburn and acid indigestion.
Where can I 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. to link to our product locator.
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*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.