Alka-Seltzer
Heartburn Relief
Alka-Seltzer is
an effervescent tablet or a tablet that is made to dissolve when dropped in water or other liquids. The medication
was developed by Maurice Treneer and was first launched in 1931 by Dr. Miles Medicine Company. It also used to be
available in long glass tubes. Today, alka-seltzer is widely distributed by Bayer Schering Pharma AG, Germany and
has different variants like Alka-Seltzer Lemon Lime, Alka-Seltzer Gold,
Alka-Seltzer Xtra Strength, Alka Seltzer Heartburn Relief and others. It is sold over
the counter and is packaged in foil packets that contain two tablets. Its ingredients include aspirin,
sodium hydrogen carbonate and citric acid.
Alka-Seltzer
is actually a combination of an antacid and analgesic. And since antacid
neutralizes stomach acid activity and analgesic is known to relieve pain, it
makes alka-seltzer a proven effective medicine for relief of fever, heartburn, indigestion, stomach pain, headache, sore throat, body pain and even hangovers.
How To Use Alka-Seltzer
Alka-seltzer is taken by dropping it in a cup of water and allowing
for it to dissolve. Though it can also be used with other liquids, it is still highly recommended to use
alka-seltzer with water. It is also preferred that you use room temperature water since cold water will slow
down its dissolution. For the people that can’t stomach to swallow the residue that can be found on the bottom
and sides of the glass, you do not have to consume it since the medicine is in the water. And if the
tablets did not fizz, this means that tablet might have broken down and thus will not be as
effective.
Side Effects of Alka-Seltzer
Similarly to numerous other
medicines, alka-seltzer comes with certain side effects. Some of these include abdominal pain, skin rash,
swelling of tongue, changes in liver function, vomiting, diarrhea and unusual bruising. When these side
effects manifest, make sure to consult your doctor right
away. But you shouldn’t over worry, as these side effects rarely occur.
80 years after its launch,
alka-seltzer remains to be one of the most effective medicines
from different pains such as heartburn that everyone experiences on a daily basis. Its long standing existence
already proves its reputation of a highly useful and performing medicine.
|