Alka-Seltzer Original

Alka-Seltzer Original are effervescent tablets which dissolve in water to give a sparkling solution. The active substances are: aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid), sodium hydrogen carbonate and citric acid.

Aspirin belongs to a group of medicines known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). It is used for the treatment of pain and reduction of fever and also has anti-inflammatory properties. Citric acid and sodium hydrogen carbonate help relieve an upset stomach.

Alka-Seltzer Original can be used for the:

• Treatment of headache with an upset stomach, particularly when caused by too much to eat or drink.
• Treatment of mild to moderate pain including headache, migraine, backache (including lumbago), nerve pain (neuralgia and sciatica), period pain, toothache and sore throat.
• Symptomatic relief of colds and influenza.
• Relief of rheumatic pain (arthritis), muscle tenderness and stiffness (including fibrositis), muscular aches and pains, the pain of joint swelling and stiffness, strains and sprains.
• Effective reduction of high temperature.

Alka-Seltzer Original Directions:

Alka-Seltzer Original tablets must always be dissolved in water before use.

Adults and children over 16: Two tablets dissolved in half a glass (100ml) of water may be taken every 4 hours as required. You should not take more than 8 tablets in 24 hours.

• For headache with an upset stomach, it is especially effective to take one dose before bed and a second dose in the morning.
• Make sure you follow the dosage instructions and do not take more than the stated dose.
• Do not take Alka-Seltzer Original for more than 3 days in a row. If symptoms persist, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

If you think you have taken too many tablets you should go to your nearest Accident and Emergency Department or contact your doctor immediately. Take this leaflet with you and any packaging to show what you have taken.

Each Alka-Seltzer Original Effervescent Tablet contains the active ingredients:

• Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) (324mg per tablet)
• Sodium hydrogen carbonate (1744mg per tablet)
• Citric acid (965mg per tablet)

Before Taking Alka-Seltzer Original:

Do not take Alka-Seltzer Original if you:

• Are allergic (hypersensitive) to aspirin, sodium hydrogen carbonate or citric acid.
• Are allergic to any other pain relieving or anti-inflammatory medicines.
• Have a disorder which causes excessive bleeding such as haemophilia.
• Have, or have had, a stomach or duodenal ulcer.
• Are on a high dose of methotrexate (15mg per week or more). If you are not sure, check with your doctor.
• Are pregnant or breast-feeding, unless advised by a doctor.

Speak to your doctor before taking Alka-Seltzer Original if you:

• Suffer from tightness in the chest or asthma.
• Have low uric acid excretion, which is commonly associated with gout.
• Have a history of gastrointestinal disorders (regular stomach upsets).
• Have kidney or liver problems.
• Are about to have surgery. Before the operation tell the doctor or surgeon that you are taking aspirin.

If you are not sure whether any of the above apply to you, speak to a doctor or pharmacist before taking Alka-Seltzer Original.

Important information about some of the ingredients: each Alka-Seltzer Original tablet contains 477mg of sodium. This should be taken into consideration by people on a controlled sodium diet.

Use in children: There is a possible association between aspirin and Reye's syndrome when given to children. Reye's syndrome is a very rare disease, which can be fatal. For this reason aspirin should not be given to children under 16 years, unless on the advice of a doctor.

Using other medicines:

Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription.

Aspirin can affect the way in which some medicines work. These medicines include:

• Medication to prevent blood clotting (eg warfarin, heparin, ticlopidine).
• Medication to treat heart problems or to lower blood pressure (eg ACE inhibitors or digoxin).
• Medication to treat gout.
• Diuretics (to treat water retention).
• Medication to treat epilepsy (eg sodium valproate, phenytoin).
• Medication to lower blood sugar if you are diabetic.
• Methotrexate (to treat psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease and some types of cancer).
• Any pain-relieving or anti-inflammatory medicines.
• Medication containing corticosteroids.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding:

Do not take Alka-Seltzer Original if you are pregnant, breast-feeding or trying for a baby unless directed by your doctor. Aspirin can prolong labour and affect blood clotting in the mother or baby.

Always ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking any medicine.

Possible Side Effects:

Like all medicines Alka-Seltzer Original can cause side effects although not everybody gets them.

If you experience any of the following side effects, stop taking Alka-Seltzer Original and go to your nearest Accident and Emergency Department or doctor immediately:

• An allergic reaction. Signs of allergic reaction may include: difficulty in breathing or swallowing, swelling of the face, lips, throat or tongue, skin rashes, large or itchy wheals on the skin, attacks of sneezing, runny nose and itching eyes or water retention.
• Stomach bleeding, which may result in black or tarry stools.
• Make sure you follow the dosage instructions and do not take more than the stated dose.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Dizziness or ringing in the ears.
• Diarrhoea.
• Increased bleeding/blood thinning (if you cut or injure yourself).
• An asthma attack if you are asthmatic and sensitive to aspirin.
• Changes in normal liver activity in blood tests (very rare).

If you have unusual stomach pains or react badly to this medicine in any other way, stop taking Alka-Seltzer Original and tell your doctor or pharmacist immediately.