Sometimes, a stomach ache or gastritis comes on suddenly. Or there are times when a stomach ache is accompanied by body pain. Today, we are going to talk about the medicine tablets that are used in such cases, which dissolve by 'bubbling' when put in a glass of water. You can see these under names like Alka-Seltzer in Sri Lanka. Let's see what these are, how to use them, and what things to be careful about.
What exactly is this medicine?
Simply put, this is a combination of several medications. It mainly contains:
- Aspirin: This is a pain reliever. It also reduces inflammation in the body. It belongs to the class of drugs called NSAIDs . It reduces the pain in the body that comes with stomach upset.
- Citric Acid and Sodium Bicarbonate: When these two are combined, they dissolve in water and create a bubbling effect. Together, they act as an antacid . That is, they reduce the acidity in your stomach, which helps relieve heartburn and indigestion.
So when all of this is combined, it reduces things like heartburn, indigestion, and stomach aches, and also reduces the body aches that come with them.
Things to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before you use this medicine, you should definitely tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions. This is very important, because this medicine is not suitable for everyone.
| Check if you have these conditions |
|---|
| • Arthritis condition |
| • Bleeding disorders |
| • Diabetes |
| • If you are following a low-salt diet |
| • If you drink alcohol regularly |
| • Heart disease |
| • High blood pressure |
| • Kidney disease |
| • Liver disease |
| • Lung or respiratory disease (e.g. asthma, COPD) |
| • If you have a history of stomach bleeding |
| • Tobacco use |
| • If you are allergic to any of the ingredients in this medicine or to other medicines or foods. |
| • If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant |
| • If you are a breastfeeding mother |
How exactly do you use this?
The way to drink this is a little different, so remember these steps carefully.
1. Do not swallow: Do not swallow this pill directly.
2. Dissolve in water: Add one or two tablets (as directed on the label) to a glass of water (about 4 ounces, or half a regular glass of water). Use plain water at room temperature.
3. Be patient: Now wait. You need to wait until the tablet has completely dissolved and the bubbling has stopped . This can take about 5 minutes.
4. Stir and drink: After the bubbling stops, stir well with a spoon for about 10 seconds and drink everything in the glass.
This medicine can be taken before or after meals. However, if you feel upset stomach, it is best to take it with food. Do not take more than the amount stated on the label.
What if you give it to children?
This is sometimes given to children over 12 years old, but you should discuss this with your doctor before making a decision.
What to do if you take too much medicine? (Overdose)
This is very important. If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, go to a hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
What other things should not be taken with this medicine?
Some medications may interact with this medicine. Therefore, if you are taking any other medications, inform your doctor about them.
| Possible reactions with medications and other substances | |
|---|---|
| Do not take this with the following medications: | |
| • Abrocitinib • Cidofovir • Defibrotide • Ketorolac • Probenecid | |
| Reactions can also occur with the following: | |
| Alcohol | Increases the risk of stomach bleeding. |
| Anticoagulant | E.g. Warfarin, Clopidogrel, Apixaban. Increases the risk of bleeding. |
| Other NSAID-type painkillers | E.g. Ibuprofen, Naproxen. Increases the risk of stomach side effects. |
| Other aspirin-containing medications | There is a risk of overdose. |
| Some supplements | For example: garlic, ginger, ginkgo. |
This list is not complete, so tell your doctor about all the medications you take (including vitamins and herbal products) .
Things to be careful about when using this medicine
- If your symptoms do not improve or worsen, tell your doctor.
- Do not use this medicine continuously for more than 10 days. If you need to continue using it, seek medical advice.
- Do not take other painkillers (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen with this medicine. Doing so can increase the risk of stomach ulcers. Some over-the-counter medicines may also contain these, so read the label carefully.
This medicine carries a risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding. This can happen without warning. Smoking, drinking alcohol, being older, and having poor health increase your risk. If you have stomach pain, vomit blood, vomit something that looks like coffee grounds, or have black (tarry) stools, see a doctor right away.
What are the possible side effects?
Like all medications, this one can have side effects. Some are serious, some are common.
| Type of side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately: | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue. |
| Bleeding | Black or bloody stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, red/dark brown urine, red/purple spots on the skin. |
| Hearing problems | Hearing loss, ringing in the ears. |
| Kidney damage | Decreased urine output, swelling of the ankles, hands, and feet. |
| Liver damage | Pain in the upper right abdomen, loss of appetite, and yellowing of the skin and eyes. |
| Usually not serious (but tell your doctor if it persists): | |
| • Headache • Loss of appetite • Nausea • Stomach discomfort | |
How do you properly store and dispose of medication?
- Storage: Keep this medicine out of the reach of children and pets . Store at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius), in a dry place away from light and moisture. Do not use after the expiration date.
- Disposal: Expired or unused medications should be disposed of. Do not flush them down the toilet. The best thing to do is to take the pills out of the container, mix them with something like used tea leaves, soil, or cat litter, put them in a bag, seal it well, and throw them in the trash.
Take-Home Message
- This medicine should only be used for temporary conditions such as sudden heartburn and stomach ache. This is not a medicine for continuous use.
- Drink the medicine only after the tablet has completely dissolved in the water and the bubbling has stopped.
- Be sure to tell your doctor about any other medical conditions you have and any other medications you are taking before using this.
- If you experience serious symptoms such as stomach pain or black stools, stop taking the medicine and seek medical advice immediately.
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