Aspirin, Sodium Bicarbonate and Citric Acid : How to Use - Alka-Seltzer Effervescent Pain Reliever and Antacid, Flavored Alka-Seltzer Effervescent Pain Reliever and Antacid, acetylsalicylic acid, ASA

Aspirin, Sodium Bicarbonate and Citric Acid - Systemic

Brand Names

Alka-Seltzer Effervescent Pain Reliever and Antacid, Flavored Alka-Seltzer Effervescent Pain Reliever and Antacid, acetylsalicylic acid, ASA Aspirin, Sodium Bicarbonate and Citric Acid *** Before Using *** How to Use *** Fore Safe Use *** Side Effects

How to Use

Unless otherwise directed by your family doctor, do not take more of this drug than is recommended on the package label . If too much is taken, serious side effects may occur.

Do not take this drug if it has a strong vinegar-like odor . This odor means the aspirin in it is breaking down. If you have any questions about this, check with your health care professional.

To use this drug:

The tablets must be dissolved in water before taking. Do not swallow the tablets or any pieces of the tablets.
Place the number of tablets needed for one dose - 1 or 2 tablets into a glass. Then add 1/2 glass - 4 ounces of cool water.
Check to be sure that the tablets have disappeared completely. This shows that all of the drug is in the liquid. Then drink all of the liquid. You may drink the liquid while it is still fizzing or after the fizzing stops.
Add a little more water to the glass and drink that, to make sure that you get the full amount of the drug.

Dosage

The dose of this combination drug will be various for various people Follow your family doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of this combination drug If your dose is various, do not change it unless your family doctor tells you to do so.

For oral dosage forms - effervescent tablets:
- For pain and upset stomach:
  - Adults and teenagers One or two regular-strength - 325-milligram "mg " tablets every four to six hours as needed, one extra-strength - 500-mg tablet every four to six hours as needed, or two extra-strength - 500-mg tablets every six hours as needed, dissolved in water. Elderly people must not take more than four regular-strength or extra-strength tablets a day. Other adults and teenagers must not take more than 6 regular-strength flavored tablets, 8 regular-strength unflavored tablets, or 7 extra-strength tablets a day.
  - Children The dose depends on the child's age.
    - Children younger than 3 years of age: Use and dose must be determined by your family doctor.
    - Children 3 to 5 years of age: One-half of a regular-strength - 325-mg tablet, dissolved in water, every four to six hours as needed.
    - Children 6 to 12 years of age: One regular-strength - 325-mg tablet, dissolved in water, every four to six hours as needed.
- For reducing the risk of heart attack, stroke, or other problems that may occur when a blood vessel is blocked by blood clots:
  - Adults One regular-strength - 325-mg tablet a day, dissolved in water.
  - Children and teenagers Use and dose must be determined by your family doctor.

Missed dose If your family doctor has ordered you to take this drug according to a regular schedule and you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage To store this drug:

Keep out of the reach of children. Overdose is very dangerous in young children.
Store away from heat and direct light.
Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the drug to break down.
Do not keep outdated drug or drug no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded drug is out of the reach of children.