Aspirin-Citric Acid-Sodium Bicarbonate

Aspirin-Citric Acid-Sodium Bicarbonate is a combination of over-the-counter medications used for heartburn, acid indigestion, and sour stomach when accompanied by headache and body ache.

• Aspirin-Citric Acid-Sodium Bicarbonate is available under the following different brand names: Alka-Seltzer Original

Adult and pediatric dosage

Effervescent tablet

• 325mg/1000mg/1916mg

Antacid & Analgesic

Adult dosage

• 2 tablets (dissolved in water) orally every 4 hours as needed; not to exceed 8 tablets/day (see Administration)
• Age above 60 years old: Do not exceed 4 tablets/day (see Cautions)

Pediatric dosage

• Children below 12 years old: Safety and efficacy not established
• Children above 12 years: As adults; 2 tablets (dissolved in water) orally every 4 hours as needed; not to exceed 8 tablets/day (see Administration)

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows: 

• See “Dosages”

Common side effects of the Aspirin-Citric Acid-Sodium Bicarbonate include:

• heartburn or indigestion
• increased thirst
• nausea or vomiting
• stomach pain (mild).

Serious side effects of the Aspirin-Citric Acid-Sodium Bicarbonate include:

• none

Rare side effects of the Aspirin-Citric Acid-Sodium Bicarbonate include:

• none 

This is not a complete list of side effects and other serious side effects or health problems that may occur as a result of the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may report side effects or health problems to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

If your medical doctor is using this medicine to treat your pain, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider, or pharmacist first.

• Aspirin-Citric Acid-Sodium Bicarbonate has severe interactions with the following drug:
  • mifepristone
• Aspirin-Citric Acid-Sodium Bicarbonate has serious interactions with the following drugs:
  • atazanavir
  • baloxavir marboxil
  • ibuprofen
  • ibuprofen IV
  • infigratinib
  • ketorolac
  • ketorolac intranasal
  • measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella vaccine, live
  • methotrexate
  • pemetrexed
  • probenecid
  • sotorasib
  • ticlopidine
  • varicella virus vaccine live
• Aspirin-Citric Acid-Sodium Bicarbonate has moderate interactions with at least 251 other drugs.
• Aspirin-Citric Acid-Sodium Bicarbonate has minor interactions with at least 124 other drugs.

This information does not contain all possible interactions or adverse effects. Visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker for any drug interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist about all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you and share this information with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your health care professional or doctor for additional medical advice, or if you have health questions or concerns.

Contraindications

• Hypocalcemia, hypochloremia, respiratory alkalosis
• Hypersensitivity to aspirin or any component

Effects of drug abuse

• None

Short-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Aspirin-Citric Acid-Sodium Bicarbonate?”

Long-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Aspirin-Citric Acid-Sodium Bicarbonate?”

Cautions

• History of: CHF, renal impairment, hypertension
• The use of salicylates in pediatric patients with varicella or influenza-like illness is associated with an increased incidence of Reye Syndrome
• Bleeding risk
  • Higher doses or use for a longer period than recommended increases the risk of serious bleeding
  • Risk increased with more than 1 of the following
  • Age above 60 years
  • History of stomach ulcers or bleeding problems
  • Coadministration or anticoagulant or corticosteroids
  • Coadministration with other NSAIDs
  • Consumes more than 3 alcoholic drinks every day

Pregnancy and Lactation

• Use with caution if the benefits outweigh the risks during pregnancy
• Lactation
  • Unknown