Alka-Seltzer

Alka-Seltzer is an effervescent antacid and pain reliever owned by Bayer since 1978. It contains three active ingredients: aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid or ASA), sodium bicarbonate (also known as baking soda), and anhydrous citric acid. The aspirin is a pain reliever and anti-inflammatory, while the sodium bicarbonate is an antacid. When an Alka-Seltzer tablet is dissolved in water, the citric acid and sodium bicarbonate react to form effervescence.

Alka-Seltzer was developed by head chemist Maurice Treneer and 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 formulas, many using acetaminophen (paracetamol) instead of aspirin, are available under the sister brand.

The product can be used in amateur chemistry lessons as an example of an endothermic reaction.

Alka-Seltzer is a combination of sodium bicarbonate, aspirin, and anhydrous citric acid used for the relief of heartburn, acid indigestion, and stomach aches.

Alka-Seltzer is sold in foil packets, each containing two tablets. Prior to 1984, it was also available stacked in cylindrical glass bottles. It is available in many different flavors.

It was once marketed as a cure-all; at one time, its ads even suggested taking it for "the blahs". Subsequent promotion has taken into consideration that aspirin is a drug that is not tolerated by everyone, and the product is no longer advertised in this fashion.

Alka-Seltzer marketed as an antacid no longer contains aspirin (ASA). The original effervescent formula has aspirin as its main active ingredient, and is marketed for pain relief.