Alka-Seltzer XS Effervescent Tablets give fast and effective relief of headache with an upset stomach

Alka-Seltzer XS can also be used to relieve migraine, period pains, toothache, sore throats, neuralgia, lower back pain (lumbago), sciatica, rheumatic and muscular aches and pains, muscle tenderness and stiffness (fibrositis), and symptoms of cold and flu such as feverishness.

Alka-Seltzer XS  Contains Pain Relief + Caffeine:

• Aspirin and Paracetamol to relieve pain and reduce feverishness
• Aspirin also reduces inflammation
• Caffeine acts as a mild stimulant
• Citric acid and sodium hydrogen carbonate help relieve an upset stomach

How to take Alka-Seltzer XS Effervescent Tablets:

• Alka-Seltzer XS must always be dissolved in a glass of water before use

Adults and children aged 16 and over:

• Take two tablets dissolved in water
• Take a further two tablets every 4 hours if necessary
• Do not take more than 8 tablets in 24 hours
• Do not take Alka-Seltzer XS for more than 3 days
• If symptoms persist, consult your doctor

If you take more than the recommended dose please contact your doctor or nearest hospital

Home medications should be considered only for minor or temporary ailments and should be used as directed - read your own leaflet

Each Alka-Seltzer XS Effervescent Tablet contains: Aspirin 267mg, paracetamol 133mg, caffeine 40mg, sodium hydrogen carbonate 1.606g and citric acid 954mg.

• This medicine contains 445mg sodium per tablet
• To be taken into consideration by patients on a controlled sodium diet.

Do not take Alka-Seltzer XS if you:

• Are allergic to aspirin, paracetamol or any other pain relieving or anti-inflammatory medicines e.g. NSAIDs or salicylates. The allergic reaction may be displayed as an asthma attack when you have taken any of these medicines.
• Are allergic to any of the other ingredients in this product
• Have, or have ever had, a stomach or duodenal ulcer
• Have a bleeding disorder such as haemophilia
• Are on a high dose of methotrexate, 15 mg per week. If you are not sure, check with your doctor. Methotrexate is used for psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease and some types of cancer.
• Are pregnant or breast-feeding, unless advised by your doctor

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.

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

• Suffer from tightness in the chest or asthma
• Are pregnant, breast-feeding or trying for a baby
• Have kidney or liver problems or are aware you have low uric acid excretion, which is commonly associated with gout
• Have a history of gastrointestinal disorders (regular stomach upsets)
• Are taking medication to prevent blood clotting (e.g. warfarin, heparin, ticlopidine), to lower blood sugar if you are a diabetic (e.g. insulin, sulphonylureas), to treat gout or reduce water retention
• Are taking medication because of heart problems or to lower blood pressure (e.g. ACE inhibitors)
• Are taking medication containing corticosteroids, any pain-relieving or anti-inflammatory medicines
• Are receiving the medicine methotrexate, digoxin, sodium valproate or phenytoin, metoclopramide, domperidone or cholestyramine.

Before an operation inform the doctor or surgeon that you are taking aspirin

• Avoid taking alcohol at the same time as Alka-Seltzer XS

As with other medicines, Alka-Seltzer XS may cause side-effects. These are rare but may include black tarry stools, nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, dizziness or ringing in your ears. If you injure or cut yourself there may be an increased risk of bleeding. Allergic symptoms have also occurred rarely such as difficulty in breathing, skin rashes, large or itchy wheals on the skin, attacks of sneezing and itching eyes. Very rarely, chills, bruising, swollen neck and sore throat have been reported and changes in normal liver activity have been seen in blood tests.

If you experience these or any other unusual effects, stop taking Alka-Seltzer XS and tell your doctor immediately.