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Alka seltzer contains a combination of aspirin, citric acid, and sodium bicarbonate (baking soda). The aspirin works to relieve headaches and muscle pain. The last two ingredients, citric acid and sodium bicarbonate, are simply a mixture of a weak acid and a weak base (when you add alka seltzer to water, the fizzing is the reaction of the two with each other). When you have a weak acid and a weak base, the result is a buffer solution, which works to stabilize the pH.
Aspirin (Acetylsalicylic acid) is also a weak acid which would be water soluble. However, in drinking water it will dissolve slowly. Adding a weak base (sodium bicarbonate) would help force the aspirin into it's conjugate base form, increasing the polarity, and thus increase solubility.
Other WikiAnswers pages indicate a pH of 9.2, a basic solution which is probably to increase the solubility of the Aspirin, as well as both buffering the effects of Aspirin's acidity on the stomach lining, as well as working as an antacid to buffer the stomach acid.
One notes, of course, that Sodium Bicarbonate (NaHCO3) dissociates in water (with the help of acetic acid) into Na+ OH- CO2, I.E. Sodium Hydroxide, a base, and Carbon Dioxide which would be the direct cause of the fizzing effect.
See the Web Links and Related Questions to the left for more information.
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold formula typically contains acetaminophen (pain reliever/fever reducer), dextromethorphan (cough suppressant), and phenylephrine (nasal decongestant). It may also contain other ingredients such as antihistamines or decongestants, depending on the specific product formulation.
Wiki User
∙ 14y agoAlka Seltzer Plus Cold & Cough Citrus
Active Ingredients: Aspirin 325 mg, Chlorpheniramine maleate 2 mg, Dextromethorphan HBr 10 mg, Phenylephrine bitartrate 7.8 mg
Inactive Ingredients: acesulfame potassium, anhyrous citric acid, Aspartame, calcium silicate, dimethypolysiloxane, docusate sodium, FD&C red #40, flavors, mannitol, povidone, sodium benzoate, sodium bicarbonate
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Can you take hydrochlorothiazide and alka seltzer cold plus at the same time?
It is generally not recommended to take hydrochlorothiazide and Alka-Seltzer Cold Plus together, as combining them can increase the risk of side effects. It's best to consult your healthcare provider before taking these medications together.
Can you take alka seltzer plus with lexapro?
It is generally not recommended to take Alka-Seltzer Plus with Lexapro, as the combination may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider before combining these medications.
What are the different flavors of Alka-Seltzer?
Alka-Seltzer comes in different formulas and flavors for specific symptoms, such as Original for heartburn and upset stomach, Lemon Lime for headaches and body aches, and Plus for cold and flu symptoms. These variations may contain different active ingredients to target specific ailments.
Can you take synthroid and alka seltzer plus together?
It is generally recommended to avoid taking Synthroid (levothyroxine) with antacids like Alka-Seltzer Plus, as they can interfere with the absorption of Synthroid. It's best to consult with a healthcare professional before combining these medications to ensure safety and effectiveness.
How long does it take alka seltzer to dissolve in water?
Alka-Seltzer contains various soluable compounds, such as asperin and citric acid, combined in a tablet form with bicarbonate of soda. The bicarbonate of soda reacts when it is in water, giving off carbon dioxide. This action makes the other materials present disolve faster than they otherwise would. The bicarbonate of soda also helps neutralize some stomach acid when the resulting solution is drunk.
Can you take alka seltzer and Lexapro?
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Is zolpidem and alka seltzer plus cold a dangerous combination?
No u can not not with out talking to your doctor first
Can you take hydrochlorothiazide and alka seltzer cold plus at the same time?
It is generally not recommended to take hydrochlorothiazide and Alka-Seltzer Cold Plus together, as combining them can increase the risk of side effects. It's best to consult your healthcare provider before taking these medications together.
Is there codeine in alka seltzer cold plus?
In America you cannot buy codeine in any over the counter medication.
Does alka seltzer plus show up on a drug test?
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What is Alka Seltzer?
Alka-Seltzer is an effervescent antacid and pain reliever . Alka-Seltzer is relief of minor aches, pains, inflammation, fever, headache, heartburn, sour stomach, indigestion, and hangovers, relieve colds and flu, Alka-Seltzer Plus, was later introduced.
What are the different flavors of Alka-Seltzer?
Alka-Seltzer comes in different formulas and flavors for specific symptoms, such as Original for heartburn and upset stomach, Lemon Lime for headaches and body aches, and Plus for cold and flu symptoms. These variations may contain different active ingredients to target specific ailments.
Can you take alka seltzer plus with lexapro?
It is generally not recommended to take Alka-Seltzer Plus with Lexapro, as the combination may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider before combining these medications.
Can you take synthroid and alka seltzer plus together?
It is generally recommended to avoid taking Synthroid (levothyroxine) with antacids like Alka-Seltzer Plus, as they can interfere with the absorption of Synthroid. It's best to consult with a healthcare professional before combining these medications to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Can alka-seltzer plus make gas?
If you heat it up, it would.
