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Here are answers to some of the most asked questions.
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General FAQs
Whatās the difference between Alka-Seltzer effervescent tablets and ReliefChews?
Effervescent tablets dissolve in water for fizzy, refreshing relief you can hear, see and feel. ReliefChews are delicious, chewy and portable. Both deliver fast relief. Learn more about our products here.
Why should I take Alka-Seltzer effervescent tablets for heartburn relief instead of a heartburn relief medication in a tablet I simply swallow?
There are multiple advantages to using Alka-Seltzer effervescent products. In short: the medicine dissolves fast and goes to work instantly, neutralizing acid on contact. Because the medicines in Alka-Seltzer effervescents are in solution prior to ingestion, they do not require time to dissolve in the stomach like similar active ingredients taken in a tablet form.
Do Alka-Seltzer products come in different flavors?
Flavors for ReliefChews are Tropical Twist, Tropical Punch, Assorted Fruit and Cool Mint. Gummies come in Mixed Fruit flavors. Learn more about our products here.
What are the active ingredients in Alka-Seltzer effervescent products?
All effervescent products contain anhydrous citric acid (antacid) and sodium bicarbonate (antacid). Alka-Seltzer Original, Extra Strength and Lemon-Lime also contain aspirin (analgesic). Alka-Seltzer Gold contains potassium bicarbonate (antacid). Learn more about our products here.
What are the active ingredients in Alka-Seltzer ReliefChews?
ReliefChews contain calcium carbonate (antacid). Heartburn+Gas ReliefChews contain calcium carbonate (antacid) and simethicone (antigas).
Does Alka-Seltzer contain aspirin?
Alka-Seltzer Original, Extra Strength and Lemon-Lime contain aspirin. The rest of our products do not.
Do Alka-Seltzer products contain sodium?
Yes, Alka-Seltzer effervescent tablets contain sodium in the form of sodium bicarbonate. The amount of sodium per tablet in each product is listed below.
The sodium in the Alka-Seltzer Effervescent products plays an important role, enabling the medication to dissolve quickly in water and begin neutralizing acid as soon as ingested.
These products are intended for short-term use. Ask a doctor before use if you are on a sodium-restricted diet. You should stop use and speak with your doctor if you need to use the product longer than recommended on the label.
| Product | Sodium per tablet (mg) | Labeled Duration of use |
|---|---|---|
| Alka-Seltzer Original | 567 | 10 days |
| Alka-Seltzer Extra Strength | 588 | 10 days |
| Alka-Seltzer Lemon Lime | 504 | 10 days |
| Alka-Seltzer Heartburn | 575 | 14 days |
| Alka-Seltzer Gold | 309 | 14 days |
Does Alka-Seltzer contain PPA (phenylpropanolamine)?
No, none of the Alka-Seltzer formulas have ever contained PPA (phenylpropanolamine). PPA was removed from Alka-Seltzer Plus cold products in 2000.
What temperature of water should I use to dissolve Alka-Seltzer tablets?
The best temperature is room temperature. Cold water will slow down dissolution and warm water can make it foam excessively.
What makes Alka-Seltzer fizz?
Alka-Seltzer contains citric acid and sodium bicarbonate (baking soda). When you drop the tablet in water, the acid and the baking soda react ā this produces the fizz.
What does it mean when Alka-Seltzer doesnāt fizz?
This is a sign that the tablets may have started to break down because there is an imperfection in the packaging. The product may not be effective. Call 1-800-986-0369.
I am diabetic, is it okay for me to take Alka-Seltzer?
Ask a Doctor or Pharmacist before use if you are taking a prescription medicine for diabetes.
Can I Use the Alka-Seltzer formulas beyond the expiration date?
We recommend that you discard any expired Alka-Seltzer product. It wonāt be harmful if ingested, but it may not be as effective in relieving your symptoms.
Can I use Alka-Seltzer products if I'm pregnant or nursing?
As with any drug or dietary supplement, if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, ask your health professional before using any Alka-Seltzer product.
Do hangovers result from excessive drinking?
The symptoms commonly referred to as a "hangover" aren't necessarily a result of excessive drinking. A single alcoholic drink is enough to trigger a hangover for some people, while others may drink heavily and escape the symptoms entirely.
How long can I use Alka-Seltzer?
Please read label directions to find out how long to use each Alka-Seltzer product.
Is Alka-Seltzer the same as baking soda?
Not exactly. Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) does not contain anhydrous citric acid, the main active ingredient in Alka-Seltzer effervescent tablets that relieve heartburn and acid indigestion.
Where can I buy Alka-Seltzer products?
Alka-Seltzer products are available in most drug stores, food stores, mass merchandisers and club stores. If you do not find them on your local store shelf, ask the store manager to order them for you. We have found that most stores make their purchasing decisions based on consumer interest. to link to our product locator.
Gum-Specific FAQs
How does the medicine leave the gum and get into my body?
The Alka-Seltzer Extra Strength Cool Action Heartburn Relief Gum is made up of two layers, one that contains the active ingredient calcium carbonate and the other layer is a gum base. When chewed, the calcium carbonate layer dissolves so it can be swallowed.
When will gum start working?
The gum contains calcium carbonate, an antacid that works on contact with acid, neutralizing the acid within seconds.
How does the gum work?
The blue layer which contains calcium carbonate is a contact antacid that works by neutralizing acid in the stomach and esophagus.
What are the side effects?
Some side effects of calcium carbonate may include constipation or upset stomach. If you experience any side effect, stop use and talk to your healthcare professional.
When can I chew it?
You should chew at the first sign of heartburn symptoms.
How does the gum compare to other Alka-Seltzer heartburn relief products?
Alka-Seltzer Extra Strength Cool Action Heartburn Relief Gum provides the same heartburn relief in a different form.
Why is there a ā750ā on the gum?
The 750 marking on the gum indicates 750mg of calcium carbonate, the active ingredient in Alka-Seltzer Extra Strength Cool Action Heartburn Relief Gum.
Does the gum contain aspirin?
Alka-Seltzer Extra Strength Cool Action Heartburn Relief Gum does not contain aspirin.
Is the calcium carbonate elemental?
Each piece of gum contains 750 mg of calcium carbonate of which 300 mg is elemental calcium.
Do I swallow it?
You should not swallow the gum.
What would happen if I swallowed the gum?
Just like typical foods, chewing gum travels down the stomach, into the intestines, and out of the body.
A piece of chewing gum generally does not stay in oneās body for more than seven days.
How long do I need to chew it to get the full effect?
You should chew until the antacid layer is dissolved. The elasticity of the gum will remain after the antacid layer has dissolved.
Can I throw the gum out early?
Once the antacid layer has been chewed and dissolved, there is no need to continue chewing the gum to get relief.
Does it clean my mouth?
In general, chewing gum may help remove food debris from your mouth.
Can I chew the gum and use other heartburn remedies at the same time?
You can take other heartburn remedies at the same time. However, do not take more than 5000 mg of calcium carbonate in one day. Use the product as directed on the label.
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