Alka-Seltzer

Alka-Seltzer
An Alka-Seltzer tablet dissolving at the bottom of a glass of water
Product typeAntacid, aspirin, NSAID, tablets, liquid gels, fruit chews
OwnerBayer (since 1978)
CountryUnited States
Introduced1931; 93 years ago (1931)
MarketsWorldwide
Previous ownersMiles Laboratories
Tagline"Plop, plop, fizz, fizz"
Websitealkaseltzer.com

Alka-Seltzer is an effervescent antacid and pain reliever owned by Bayer since 1978. First marketed by the Dr. Miles Medicine Company of Elkhart, Indiana, United States, Alka-Seltzer contains three active ingredients: aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) (ASA), sodium bicarbonate, and anhydrous citric acid.[1] The aspirin is a pain reliever and anti-inflammatory, the sodium bicarbonate is an antacid, and the citric acid reacts with the sodium bicarbonate and water to form effervescence.[2]

It was developed by head chemist Maurice Treneer.[3][4] Alka-Seltzer is marketed for relief of minor aches, pains, inflammation, fever, headache, heartburn, stomach ache, indigestion, acid reflux, and hangovers while neutralizing excess stomach acid.[4] It was launched in 1931.[5]

Its sister product, Alka-Seltzer Plus, treats cold and flu symptoms. A wide variety of formulae, many using acetaminophen (paracetamol) instead of aspirin, are available under the sister brand.[6]

  1. ^ "Alka Seltzer Directions of use, Sodium & Aspirin content - Alka Seltzer relief from Headaches, Migraine & Upset stomach". alkaseltzer.ie. Archived from the original on 2015-04-29.
  2. ^ "Alka-seltzer original". Netdoctor. Archived from the original on 2015-06-10.
  3. ^ Think Books, ed. (28 November 2006). Origin of Everyday Things. Sterling Publishing Company, Inc. p. 12. ISBN 9781402743023. Archived from the original on 2018-05-06. Retrieved 21 October 2012.
  4. ^ a b Jim Cox (May 23, 2008). Sold on Radio: Advertisers in the Golden Age of Broadcasting. McFarland. pp. 197–199. ISBN 978-0-7864-3391-9. Archived from the original on 2018-05-06.
  5. ^ Barbara Berliner; Melinda Corey; George Ochoa (1992). The book of answers: the New York Public Library Telephone Reference Service's most unusual and entertaining questions. Simon and Schuster. p. 239. ISBN 9780671761929.
  6. ^ "Cold & Flu Symptom & Cough Relief Products - Alka-Seltzer Plus". Alka-Seltzer Plus®. Retrieved 26 December 2018.