Aspirin, Sodium Bicarbonate, and Citric Acid (Systemic)

Brand Names : Alka-Seltzer Effervescent Pain Reliever and Antacid, Flavored Alka-Seltzer Effervescent Pain Reliever and Antacid, acetylsalicylic acid, ASA

Proper Use of This Medicine

Unless otherwise directed by your doctor, do not take more of this medicine than is recommended on the package label . If too much is taken, serious side effects may occur.

Do not take this medicine if it has a strong vinegar-like odor . This odor means the aspirin in it is breaking down. If you have any questions about this, check with your health care professional.

To use this medicine:

• The tablets must be dissolved in water before taking. Do not swallow the tablets or any pieces of the tablets.
• Place the number of tablets needed for one dose (1 or 2 tablets) into a glass. Then add 1/2 glass (4 ounces) of cool water.
• Check to be sure that the tablets have disappeared completely. This shows that all of the medicine is in the liquid. Then drink all of the liquid. You may drink the liquid while it is still fizzing or after the fizzing stops.
• Add a little more water to the glass and drink that, to make sure that you get the full amount of the medicine.

Dosing - The dose of this combination medicine will be different for different people. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of this combination medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

• For oral dosage forms (effervescent tablets):
  • For pain and upset stomach:
    • Adults and teenagers - One or two regular-strength (325-milligram [mg]) tablets every four to six hours as needed, one extra-strength (500-mg) tablet every four to six hours as needed, or two extra-strength (500-mg) tablets every six hours as needed, dissolved in water. Elderly people should not take more than four regular-strength or extra-strength tablets a day. Other adults and teenagers should not take more than 6 regular-strength flavored tablets, 8 regular-strength unflavored tablets, or 7 extra-strength tablets a day.
    • Children - The dose depends on the child's age.
      • Children younger than 3 years of age: Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
      • Children 3 to 5 years of age: One-half of a regular-strength (325-mg) tablet, dissolved in water, every four to six hours as needed.
      • Children 6 to 12 years of age: One regular-strength (325-mg) tablet, dissolved in water, every four to six hours as needed.
  • For reducing the chance of heart attack, stroke, or other problems that may occur when a blood vessel is blocked by blood clots:
    • Adults - One regular-strength (325-mg) tablet a day, dissolved in water.
    • Children and teenagers - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed dose - If your doctor has ordered you to take this medicine according to a regular schedule and you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage - To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children. Overdose is very dangerous in young children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.