Alka-Seltzer
More information about Alka-Seltzer
For more than 90 years, people have relied on Alka-Seltzer for quick relief from discomfort. Today, people also reach for Alka-Seltzer products to temporarily alleviate symptoms of cold and flu. Walgreens makes it easy to find the over-the-counter medications you trust for everything from headaches to nasal congestion with a diverse assortment of Alka-Seltzer products available online and in stores.
What is Alka-Seltzer?
Alka-Seltzer is a brand of over-the-counter medication that offers a wide range of products. When many people hear the Alka-Seltzer brand name, they think of the original formula, effervescent tablets that dissolve in water and create a fizzy liquid that you drink to get temporary relief from aches, pains and symptoms of the cold and flu. However, Alka-Seltzer makes more than just effervescent tablets. The brand’s product lineup also includes chewable tablets and gummies.
In addition to its original products, Alka-Seltzer offers the Alka-Seltzer Plus brand for cold and flu relief. Products include effervescent tablets, hot drink mixes, liquid gels and extended relief tablets, giving you the freedom to choose the form you prefer when cold and flu symptoms strike.
What does Alka-Seltzer do?
The original Alka-Seltzer effervescent tablets relieve backaches, headaches, body aches and muscle pains with buffered aspirin, an over-the-counter pain reliever and fever reducer. Alka-Seltzer heartburn relief effervescent tablets address heartburn, sour stomach, acid indigestion and upset stomach.
With Alka-Seltzer Plus cold and flu effervescent tablets, you can get multi-symptom relief while you rest and recover from a cold or the flu. The tablets combine FDA-approved over-the-counter medications to target common symptoms, and you can choose from several varieties. Depending on the product, the tablets may temporarily relieve headaches, body aches, fevers, coughing, nasal congestion, chest congestion, runny nose, sore throat and/or sinus pressure. Day and night effervescent tablets are available to help lessen cold and flu symptoms around the clock.
How does Alka-Seltzer work?
Alka-Seltzer effervescent tablets feature citric acid and sodium bicarbonate, also known as baking soda. When these ingredients mix with water, a reaction occurs. Fizz forms as a result of this reaction. Drinking the fizzy liquid produced by Alka-Seltzer effervescent tablets delivers the active ingredients to your stomach, where they can then be absorbed and go to work alleviating your symptoms.
How to take Alka-Seltzer
Alka-Seltzer effervescent tablets come in pouches that usually contain two tablets, the dosage recommended for adults. To use the tablets, fill a glass with the amount of water specified on the packaging. Allow the water to sit so that it reaches room temperature, as cold water can make the tablets dissolve too slowly and hot water can produce excess foam. Once the water reaches ideal temperature, open the packet and drop the tablets into the water. Wait for them to fully dissolve and then drink all the liquid.
For best results, refer to the product packaging for specific instructions on how to use Alka-Seltzer effervescent tablets and other Alka-Seltzer and Alka-Seltzer Plus products. Read the safety information and consult your healthcare provider to determine if the over-the-counter medications are right for you.