Alka-Seltzer – purpose, dosage, contraindications, side effects

Alka-Seltzer is a non-steroidal over-the-counter medication for mild to moderate pain relief. It soothes headaches, muscle aches and toothaches, its action also works well in the case of high fever accompanying colds and flu. It is in the form of effervescent tablets.

Alka-Seltzer (Bayer)

Alka-Seltzer – action

Alka-Seltzer is an anti-inflammatory and non-steroidal preparation that soothes bothersome pain, as well as has antipyretic and anti-inflammatory properties. The preparation stops the aggregation of platelets.

Alka Seltzer – purpose and dosage

Alka-Seltzer is intended for use in the treatment of moderate pain:

1. muscle aches,
2. headaches,
3. fever,
4. cold,
5. flu.

Dosage: Orally.

1. Adults 324-972 mg (1-3 tablets) once; if necessary, the dose can be repeated every 4-8 hours; max. 4 g / d (12 tablets / day),
2. Children over 12 years of age 324 mg (1 tablet) once.
3. if necessary, the dose can be repeated 3 times / day every 4-8 h; max. 3 tabl./d. Children 9-12

There is a risk of severe complications. Use only the daily dose recommended by your doctor.

Alka Seltzer – and contraindications

There are a number of contraindications associated with taking Alka-Seltzer:

1. peptic ulcer disease,
2. hypersensitivity to salicylates,
3. gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer,
4. hemorrhagic diathesis,
5. parallel use of methotrexate in doses> = 15 mg / week,
6. pregnancy,
7. the period of breastfeeding.

Do not use during viral diseases such as: chicken pox, flu (especially in children up to 12 years of age).

Alka Seltzer – when to be especially careful?

Selected diseases and certain circumstances may prevent the use of Alka-Seltzer. The leaflet contains a number of warnings related to the medicine.

Be careful:

1. in case of hypersensitivity to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or other allergenic substances,
2. liver or kidney problems
3. gastric and / or duodenal ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding,
4. glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency and during concomitant use of anticoagulants (e.g. coumarin derivatives, heparin),
5. before planned surgical procedures (inform the doctor about taking the preparation),
6. if you fall ill with influenza type A and B and chickenpox (Reye’s syndrome may occur),
7. if you are prone to passing less urine (the drug can cause gout attacks),
8. if you are over 12 years old and have viral infections, contact your doctor,
9. if your diet is low in sodium (this medicine contains 445 mg of sodium per tablet).

Acetylsalicylic acid contained in the drug may aggravate and lead to asthma attacks and other allergic reactions..

They are particularly exposed to such situations:

1. patients suffering from bronchial asthma,
2. patients suffering from respiratory diseases,
3. people with hay fever,
4. people with polyps of the nasal mucosa,
5. people who show allergic reactions (e.g. skin reactions, itching, hives) to other substances.

If symptoms do not improve after 5 days, consult your doctor.

Alka-Seltzer and interaction with other drugs

Do not use acetylsalicylic acid contained in Alka-Seltzer with:

1. methotrexatetaken in doses of 15 mg a week or more,
2. anticoagulants(coumarin and heparin derivatives),
3. mitrombolyticsand (clot-dissolving, e.g. streptokinase, urokinase),
4. drugs that block platelets from sticking together (e.g. ticlopidine). They prolong the duration of hemorrhages.
5. kortykosteroidami, and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (including ibuprofen),
6. salicylanami in high doses or if alcohol is consumed during treatment.

Taking Alka-Seltzer with medications for high blood pressure reduces the effect of drugs used to treat gout, which increase the loss of uric acid from the body, which can worsen the symptoms of gout. Tell your doctor about all medications you are taking, even over-the-counter medications.

Alka-Seltzer – and side effects

When using Alka-Seltzer effervescent tablets, a number of side effects can occur. It may appear:

1. indigestion (heartburn, vomiting),
2. abdominal pain,
3. stomach and duodenal ulcers,
4. allergic reactions (skin reactions, itching, rash, asthma attacks, edema, tinnitus or dizziness as a reaction to overdose),
5. rarely impaired liver function,
6. reduction in the number of blood platelets,
7. bleeding: perioperative, noseble, urogenital bleeding, gum bleeding,
8. very rarely, cerebral haemorrhage (in hypertensive patients),
9. very rarely renal papillary necrosis and nephritis (after long-term use of the drug),

Allergic reactions:

1. swollen face
2. swollen eyelids,
3. swollen tongue and larynx,
4. trouble breathing
5. shortness of breath
6. asthma,
7. fast heart beat
8. decrease in blood pressure
9. life-threatening shock.

In the event of any of the following side effects, you should immediately consult a specialist. Even after the first administration of the drug, negative symptoms may occur. When taking the drug for too long, troublesome headaches may appear. Taking any painkillers for a long time leads to kidney and liver dysfunction.