Alka-Seltzer XS

How does it work?

This medicine contains five active ingredients, aspirin, paracetamol, sodium bicarbonate, citric acid and caffeine. Aspirin belongs to a group of medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It works by blocking the action of a substance in the body called cyclo-oxygenase. Cyclo-oxygenase is involved in the production of various chemicals in the body, some of which are known as prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are produced in response to injury or certain diseases and would otherwise go on to cause pain, swelling and inflammation. Aspirin is therefore used to relieve pain and inflammation. Paracetamol is a medicine used in the treatment of mild to moderate pain. It is also useful for reducing fever. It is not fully understood how paracetamol produces these effects. Sodium bicarbonate and citric acid form antacids by their effervescent reaction with water. They decrease the acidity of the stomach's juices, by binding to and neutralising excess acid. This helps to relieve the symptoms of heartburn and indigestion and settles the stomach. Caffeine is a weak stimulant that is often included in painkilling preparations in small doses. It is claimed that the addition of caffeine may enhance the pain relieving effects of aspirin and paracetamol. The combination of these medicines is used primarily to relieve headaches accompanied by an upset stomach, such as occurs after over-indulgence in food, drink or both. It can also be used to relieve various other types of aches and pains such as migraine, period pains, toothache, sore throats, rheumatic pain, back pain and sprains or strains, and to relieve symptoms associated with colds and flu, such as headache, feverishness and muscular aches and pains.

What is it used for?

Headache associated with upset stomach

Mild to moderate pain, eg headache, rheumatic and muscular aches and pains, period pain, toothache, sore throat etc

Relief from the symptoms of feverish colds and flu

Warning!

If symptoms persist despite treatment, seek medical advice from your doctor or pharmacist.

Children under 16 years of age should not take aspirin, unless on the advice of a doctor. This is because aspirin use in children has been associated with a rare condition called Reye's syndrome. This condition affects the brain and liver and though extremely rare, can be fatal. The causes of Reye's syndrome are not fully understood, but use of aspirin to treat fever in children with a virus has been implicated. There are many paracetamol and ibuprofen products not associated with Reye's syndrome available to treat pain and fever in this age group. For more advice talk to your pharmacist.

Alcohol increases the risk of liver damage that can occur if an overdose of paracetamol is taken. The hazards of paracetamol overdose are greater in persistant heavy drinkers and in people with alcoholic liver disease.

Do not exceed the recommended dose of this medicine, which will be stated in the product packaging or information leaflet supplied with the medicine.

An overdose of paracetamol is dangerous and capable of causing serious damage to the liver and kidneys. You should never exceed the dose stated in the information leaflet supplied with the medicine. Immediate medical advice should be sought in the event of an overdose with this medicine, even if you feel well, because of the risk of delayed, serious liver damage.

Use with caution in

Asthma

Decreased kidney function

Decreased liver function

Elderly people

History of peptic ulcers

Not to be used in

Blood clotting disorder (haemophilia)

Breastfeeding

Children and adolescents under 16 years of age, unless on the advice of a doctor

Gout

People in whom aspirin or other NSAIDs, eg ibuprofen, cause allergic reactions such as asthma attacks, itchy rash (urticaria), nasal inflammation (rhinitis) or swelling of the lips, tongue and throat (angioedema)

Peptic ulcer

Severely decreased kidney function

Severely decreased liver function

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should be avoided in the third trimester of pregnancy, as it may affect the growth and development of the foetus or have harmful effects on foetal tissues. Seek medical advice from your doctor before using this medicine during any stage of pregnancy.

Significant amounts of this medicine may pass into breast milk. It should not be used by breastfeeding mothers as it may be harmful to the nursing infant. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Label warnings

Dissolve or mix this medication with water before taking.

Refer to the printed instructions for maximum daily intake.

This medication contains aspirin and paracetamol. Do not take with any other paracetamol products.

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