Alka-Seltzer Products for Cough, Cold, and Flu Symptoms

What do Alka-Seltzer products treat?

Alka-Seltzer products are used to treat coughs, colds, symptoms caused by the flu, and symptoms caused by allergies. Alka-Seltzer products may contain a variation of active ingredients. Click on an ingredient below if you need more information about it.

• Pain reliever/fever reducer (acetaminophen, aspirin), which is used for fever and pain, including headaches, body aches, and sore throat
• Decongestant (phenylephrine), which lowers swelling, inflammation, and congestion in your nose and sinuses, allowing you to breathe better
• Antihistamine (chlorpheniramine, doxylamine), which can help with a runny nose, sneezing, itchy/watery eyes, and itching of the nose and throat
• Cough suppressant (dextromethorphan), which reduces the urge to cough
• Expectorant (guaifenesin), which loosens mucus and breaks up chest congestion

There are Alka-Seltzer products for adults and children as young as 6 years old.

What should I know before using Alka-Seltzer products?

Alka-Seltzer products that contain an antihistamine (chlorpheniramine, doxylamine) may cause you to feel drowsy. If you feel drowsy after taking Alka-Seltzer, do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how an Alka-Seltzer product affects you. Taking certain medicines or drinking alcohol can increase your risk for drowsiness. Talk to your health care provider about any other medicines you take or if you drink alcohol.

Check the label on the Alka-Seltzer product you are planning on taking to make sure you are not allergic to any of the ingredients.

If you are taking Alka-Seltzer products for a sore throat and also develop a fever, headache, rash, nausea, or vomiting for more than two days, call your health care provider.

Alka-Seltzer products should not be used if you are taking a medicine called a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or for two weeks after stopping the MAOI. An MAOI is a medicine usually used for depression or Parkinson’s disease. If you do not know if your prescription medicine contains an MAOI, ask your health care provider or pharmacist before taking an Alka-Seltzer product. Also tell your health care provider if you are taking a blood thinner (such as warfarin), sedative, tranquilizer, diuretic, or a medicine for gout, arthritis, or diabetes.