Alka-Seltzer XS

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Irritation to the lining or movements of the gut

Allergic reactions such as skin rash, swelling of the lips, tongue and throat (angioedema) or narrowing of the airways (bronchospasm)

Blackening of the stools

Disturbances of the gut such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea or abdominal pain

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?

People taking anticoagulant medicines used to prevent the blood clotting, eg warfarin, should not take aspirin to relieve pain or inflammation. This is because aspirin can irritate the stomach lining, as well as increasing the effects of warfarin, both of which increase the likelihood of bleeding. There may be an increased risk of bleeding if aspirin is taken with other 'blood-thinning' (antiplatelet) medicines such as clopidogrel or ticlopidine. Aspirin reduces the rate at which the body can remove the medicine methotrexate. The two should not usually be used together. There is an increased risk of side effects if aspirin is taken with other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), eg ibuprofen, diclofenac, indometacin. For this reason, aspirin should not be taken with any other NSAID. There may be an increased risk of bleeding or ulceration of the stomach or intestines if aspirin is taken with corticosteroids, eg prednisolone, dexamethasone. There may be an increased risk of side effects if aspirin is taken with acetazolamide. Cholestyramine may reduce the absorption of paracetamol from the gut. Metoclopramide and domperidone may increase the absorption of paracetamol from the gut. Long-term or regular use of paracetamol may increase the anti-blood-clotting effect of warfarin and other anticoagulant medicines, leading to an increased risk of bleeding. Regular monitoring of blood clotting times should be performed if paracetamol is used regularly with these medicines. This effect does not occur with occasional pain-killing doses. Antacids containing sodium, such as sodium bicarbonate, can decrease the effectiveness of lithium and this medicine should therefore be avoided by people taking lithium. Antacids may affect the absorption from the gut of various other medicines. If you are taking any other medicines, consult your pharmacist before taking this medicine.

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