Aspirin; Citric Acid; Sodium Bicarbonate Effervescent Tablets

What is this medication?

ASPIRIN; CITRIC ACID; SODIUM BICARBONATE (AS pir in; SIT rik AS id; SOW dee um bye KAR bun ate) treats occasional heartburn, indigestion, or upset stomach. It can also relieve body aches and pains caused by stomach discomfort. It works by reducing the amount of acid in the stomach. It also decreases inflammation. It is a combination of an NSAID and antacid.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Alcortin A, Alka-Seltzer, Alka-Seltzer Extra Strength, Pain Relief Effervescent

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Arthritis
• Bleeding disorder
• Diabetes
• Diet low in salt
• Frequently drink alcohol
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Lung or breathing disease (asthma, COPD)
• Stomach bleeding
• Tobacco use
• An unusual or allergic reaction to aspirin, citric acid, sodium bicarbonate, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with water. Take it as directed on the label. You can take this medication with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Do not take it more often than directed.

Dissolve the dose in a glass (4 ounces) of plain, room temperature water. Wait for at least 5 minutes after the dose is done dissolving (bubbling stops). Then, stir the mixture for 10 seconds. Drink the contents of the glass.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While this medication may be given to children as young as 12 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply. This medication is not for regular use. It should only be used as needed.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Abrocitinib
• Cidofovir
• Defibrotide
• Ketorolac
• Probenecid

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Alcohol
• Alendronate
• Bismuth subsalicylate
• Flavocoxid
• Herbal supplements like feverfew, garlic, ginger, ginkgo biloba, horse chestnut
• Medications for diabetes or glaucoma like acetazolamide, methazolamide
• Medications for gout
• Medications that treat and prevent blood clots like apixaban, clopidogrel, enoxaparin, heparin, rivaroxaban, warfarin
• Other aspirin and aspirin-like medications
• NSAIDs, medications for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen
• Pemetrexed
• Sulfinpyrazone
• Varicella live vaccine

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. If you need to use this medication for more than 10 days, talk to your care team.

Do not take other medications that contain aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen with this medication. Side effects such as stomach upset, nausea, or ulcers may be more likely to occur. Many non-prescription medications contain aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen. Always read labels carefully.

This medication can cause serious ulcers and bleeding in the stomach. It can happen with no warning. Smoking, drinking alcohol, older age, and poor health can also increase risks. Call your care team right away if you have stomach pain or blood in your vomit or stool.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Bleeding—bloody or black, tar-like stools, vomiting blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds, red or dark brown urine, small red or purple spots on skin, unusual bruising or bleeding
• Hearing loss, ringing in ears
• Kidney injury—decrease in the amount of urine, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet
• Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue
• Rash, fever, and swollen lymph nodes

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Headache
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Upset stomach

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light and moisture. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

• Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, take the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.