Alka-Seltzer
Alka-Seltzer is an effervescent antacid and pain reliever first marketed by the Dr. Miles Medicine Company of Elkhart, Indiana, United States. Alka-Seltzer contains three active ingredients: aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) (ASA), sodium bicarbonate, and anhydrous citric acid. The aspirin is a pain reliever and anti-inflammatory, the sodium bicarbonate is an antacid, and the citric acid reacts with the sodium bicarbonate and water to form effervescence.
An Alka-Seltzer tablet dissolving at the bottom of a glass of water | |
| Product type | Antacid, aspirin, NSAID, tablets, liquid gels, fruit chews |
|---|---|
| Owner | Bayer (since 1978) |
| Country | United States |
| Introduced | 1931 |
| Markets | Worldwide |
| Previous owners | Miles Laboratories |
| Tagline | "Plop, plop, fizz, fizz" |
| Website | alkaseltzer |
It was developed by head chemist Maurice Treneer. Alka-Seltzer is marketed for relief of minor aches, pains, inflammation, fever, headache, heartburn, stomach ache, indigestion, acid reflux, and hangovers while neutralizing excess stomach acid. It was launched in 1931.
Its sister product, Alka-Seltzer Plus, treats cold and flu symptoms. A wide variety of formulae, many using acetaminophen (paracetamol) instead of aspirin, are available under the sister brand.