Alka-Seltzer (sodium bicarbonate)

Alka-Seltzer Heartburn Relief (sodium bicarbonate) is an oral medication and alkalinizing agent (antacid) that reduces stomach acid. It is a commonly used antacid to treat occasional episodes of heartburn, acid ingestion, and upset stomach.

How does Alka-Seltzer work?

• Oral sodium bicarbonate provides rapid relief (within 15 minutes) of heartburn symptoms and should only be used to provide temporary relief of occasional episodes of stomach acid problems.
• Oral administration of sodium bicarbonate results in the neutralization of hydrochloric acid in the stomach (raises blood and urinary pH) and the formation of sodium chloride, carbon dioxide, and water.

Do I need a prescription for Alka-Seltzer (sodium bicarbonate)?

No.

Known side effects include:

• belching,
• flatulence (gas),
• stomach pain, and
• edema (water retention).

• Oral antacid: 325 mg to 2 g 1-4 times per day.

• Sodium bicarbonate may increase the blood concentration of flecainide (Tambocor) by increasing the pH of urine, leading to less excretion of flecainide.
• Sodium bicarbonate may decrease blood concentration of amphetamines, atazanavir (Reyataz), bisacodyl (Dulcolax), captopril (Capoten), dabigatran (Pradaxa), itraconazole (Sporanox) and many other drugs.
• Acetazolamide (Diamox) may increase the risk of toxicity or adverse effects associated with sodium bicarbonate treatment.

• Sodium bicarbonate has not been adequately evaluated in pregnant women. Sodium bicarbonate has the potential risk of causing metabolic alkalosis and fluid overload in pregnancy. Therefore, sodium bicarbonate containing antacids are considered unsafe in pregnancy.
• Sodium bicarbonate enters breast milk. Other antacids such as calcium carbonate or magnesium hydroxide are generally preferred over sodium carbonate due to their wider safety margin.

What preparations of Alka-Seltzer are available?

• Effervescent granules for oral solution: 460 mg. Oral tablet: 325 and 650 mg

How should I keep Alka-Seltzer stored?

• Store at room temperature 59 C - 86 C (15 F – 30 F).