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Alka-Seltzer Original is an effervescent aspirin tablet (324mg) that dissolves in water for rapid relief of pain including headache, migraine, period pain, neuralgia, toothache and sore throat, and for symptomatic relief of flu, feverishness and feverish colds, for adults and children aged 16 and over. Pack of 10 tablets, sold by Ways Pharmacy (UK).
Key facts
| Active ingredient | Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) 324mg per tablet (阿司匹林) |
|---|---|
| Also contains | Sodium hydrogen carbonate and citric acid (the effervescent base); 477mg sodium per tablet |
| Format | Effervescent tablets – dissolve in water before drinking |
| Relieves | Headache, migraine, period pain, neuralgia, toothache, sore throat; rheumatic pain, sciatica, lumbago, fibrositis, muscular aches and pains; symptoms of flu, feverishness and feverish colds |
| Age | Adults, the elderly and children aged 16 and over |
| Dose | 2 tablets dissolved in half a glass (100ml) of water, repeated every 4 hours if needed |
| Maximum | 4 doses (8 tablets) in 24 hours; do not take for more than 3 days in a row without seeing a doctor |
| Pack | 10 tablets |
| Storage | Store below 25°C in a dry place, in the original carton |
Who it is for
- Adults and young people aged 16 and over with mild to moderate pain such as headache, migraine, period pain or toothache.
- Adults with the aches, feverishness and sore throat of a cold or flu.
- People who find a dissolvable tablet easier to take than a solid one.
Not suitable for: Children and young people under 16 (risk of Reye's syndrome), unless a doctor has told you otherwise; anyone allergic to aspirin, other salicylates, NSAIDs or any ingredient, or who has had asthma, rhinitis or hives after taking them; anyone with a stomach or duodenal ulcer now or in the past; bleeding disorders such as haemophilia; severe heart, kidney or liver failure; people taking methotrexate at 15mg a week or more; the last 3 months of pregnancy; breastfeeding. Ask a doctor or pharmacist first if you have asthma, nasal polyps, hay fever or allergies, gout, a history of stomach or bowel problems, kidney, liver, heart or circulation problems, are due to have surgery, are elderly, are in the first 6 months of pregnancy, or take anticoagulants such as warfarin or other medicines.
How to use
- Read the label and Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) before use.
- Drop 2 tablets into half a glass (about 100ml) of water and let them dissolve completely.
- Drink the solution. Repeat every 4 hours if needed.
- Do not take more than 4 doses (8 tablets) in any 24 hours.
- Do not take for more than 3 days in a row unless your doctor tells you to.
- Do not drink alcohol while taking Alka-Seltzer Original.
Frequently asked questions
How much aspirin is in each Alka-Seltzer Original tablet?
Each tablet contains 324mg of aspirin, so a standard dose of 2 tablets gives 648mg.
How often can I take it?
Two tablets every 4 hours as required, up to 4 doses (8 tablets) in 24 hours. Do not take it for more than 3 days in a row without medical advice.
Can children take Alka-Seltzer Original?
No. It is for adults and children aged 16 and over. Aspirin should not be given to under-16s unless a doctor tells you to, because of the link with Reye's syndrome.
Can I take it if I am on a low-salt diet?
Each tablet contains 477mg of sodium, which is about 24% of the recommended maximum daily intake for an adult; a 2-tablet dose is nearly half of it. If you are on a sodium-controlled diet, ask our pharmacist first.
Can I take it while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Do not take it in the last 3 months of pregnancy or while breastfeeding. In the first 6 months of pregnancy, take it only if your doctor says so.
Does it settle an upset stomach?
The licensed uses are pain relief and the symptomatic relief of colds, flu and feverishness. It is not an indigestion remedy, and aspirin is unsuitable if you have or have had a stomach ulcer.
Safety and storage
- Do not exceed the stated dose. Do not take with other aspirin-containing or NSAID medicines without advice.
- Stop and seek medical advice if you notice black stools, blood in vomit, or signs of an allergic reaction.
- Store below 25°C in a dry place. Keep the tablets in the original carton to protect from moisture.
- Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
- Read the PIL. Report suspected side effects through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.
This is a medicine. Always read the label and the Patient Information Leaflet before use. If symptoms persist, speak to a pharmacist or doctor.
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