Description

Alka-Seltzer XS- 20 Tablets
Alka-Seltzer XS are effervescent tablets which dissolve in water to give a sparkling solution.

The active substances are: aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid),paracetamol and caffeine.

Aspirin belongs to a group of medicines known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). Aspirin and paracetamol are both used for the treatment of pain and reduction of fever. Aspirin also has anti-inflammatory properties, whilst caffeine acts as mild stimulant.

Indication:
• Treatment of mild to moderate pain including headache, migraine, backache (including
lumbago), nerve pain (neuralgia and sciatica), period pain, toothache and sore throat.
• Symptomatic relief of colds and influenza.
• Relief of rheumatic pain (arthritis), muscle tenderness and stiffness (including fibrositis),
muscular aches and pains.
• Effective reduction of high temperature.

DO NOT take Alka-Seltzer XS if you:
• Are allergic (hypersensitive) to aspirin, paracetamol, caffeine or any of the ingredients
• Are allergic to any other pain relieving or anti-inflammatory medicines (eg NSAIDS or
salicylates).
• Have a disorder which causes excessive bleeding such as haemophilia.
• Have, or have had, a stomach or duodenal ulcer.
• Are on a high dose of methotrexate (15mg per week or more). If you are not sure, check with your doctor. Also see ‘Using other medicines’.
• Are pregnant or breast-feeding, unless advised by a doctor.
Speak to your doctor before taking Alka-Seltzer XS if you:
• Suffer from tightness in the chest or asthma.
• Have low uric acid excretion, which is commonly associated with gout.
• Have a history of gastrointestinal disorders (regular stomach upsets).
• Have kidney or liver problems .
• Are about to have surgery. Before the operation tell the doctor or surgeon that you are taking aspirin.

If you are not sure whether any of the above apply to you, speak to a doctor or pharmacist before taking Alka-Seltzer XS.

Important information about some of the ingredients:
This medicine contains 472 mg sodium (main component of cooking/table salt) in each tablet.
This is equivalent to 23.6% of the recommended maximum daily dietary intake of sodium for an adult.
Use in children:
Aspirin can cause Reye’s syndrome when it is given to children. Reye’s syndrome is a very rare disease, which can be fatal. For this reason aspirin should
not be given to children under 16 years, unless your doctor tells you to.

Using other medicines:
Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription.
Aspirin can affect the way in which some medicines work. These medicines include:
• Medication to prevent blood clotting (eg warfarin, heparin, ticlopidine).
• Medication to treat heart problems or to lower blood pressure (eg ACE inhibitors or digoxin).
• Medication to treat gout.
• Diuretics (to treat water retention).
• Medication to treat epilepsy (eg sodium valproate, phenytoin).
• Medication to lower blood sugar if you are diabetic.
• Methotrexate (to treat psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease and some types of
cancer).
• Any pain-relieving or anti-inflammatory medicines.
• Medication containing corticosteroids.
Paracetamol can affect the way in which some medicines work. These medicines include:
• Metoclopramide (to treat nausea and vomiting).
• Domperidone (to treat nausea, vomiting, indigestion).
• Colestyramine (to treat high cholesterol).
Do not take other products containing paracetamol whilst taking this product.

Taking with food and drink:
Avoid taking alcohol while taking Alka-Seltzer XS.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding:
Do not take Alka-Seltzer XS if you are pregnant, breast-feeding or trying for a baby unless directed by your doctor. Aspirin can prolong labour and affect blood clotting in the mother or baby.
Always ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking any medicine.

Follow the directions below closely. You should ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure how to use this medicine.
Alka-Seltzer XS tablets must always be dissolved in water before use.
Adults and children over 16:
Two tablets dissolved in half a glass (100ml) of water may be taken every 4 hours as required. You should not take more than 8 tablets in 24 hours.

Not recommended in children under 16.
Like all medicines Alka-Seltzer XS can cause side effects although not everybody gets them. If you experience any of the following side effects, stop taking Alka-Seltzer XS and go to your nearest Accident and Emergency Department or doctor immediately:
• An allergic reaction. Signs of allergic reaction may include: difficulty in breathing or
swallowing, swelling of the face, lips, throat or tongue, skin rashes, large or itchy wheals on the skin, attacks of sneezing, runny nose and itching eyes or water retention.
• Stomach bleeding, which may result in black or tarry stools.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Dizziness or ringing in the ears.
• Diarrhoea.
• Increased bleeding/blood thinning (if you cut or injure yourself).
• An asthma attack if you are asthmatic and sensitive to aspirin.
• Changes in normal liver activity in blood tests (very rare).

Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
Do not store above 25 °C. Store in a dry place. This product should be stored in its original carton.