Brand name:

Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold Medicine Liqui-gels

Pronounced: AL-ka SELL-tser

Other brand name: Actifed Cold & Sinus Caplets, Comtrex Sinus & Nasal Decongestant

What this drug is used for

The ingredients in this variety of Alka-Seltzer Plus relieve fever, headache, body aches and pains, stuffy nose and sinuses, runny nose, sneezing, and sore throat. The same combination of ingredients is found in Actifed Cold & Sinus Caplets and Comtrex Sinus and Nasal Decongestant.

How should you take this medication?

Alka-Seltzer Plus liqui-gels should be swallowed with a glass of water. Doses of the Alka-Seltzer product may be repeated every 4 hours if needed--but don't take more than 4 doses per day. Doses of the other products may be repeated every 6 hours up to 4 times per day.

* ADULTS
For adults and children 12 years and over, the usual dose is 2 pills.

* CHILDREN
For children under 12, consult your doctor.

* STORAGE
Store at room temperature in a dry place. Avoid excessive heat.

Do not take this medication if...

Unless your doctor approves, do not take these products if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, diabetes, high pressure within the eye (glaucoma), an enlarged prostate gland, or a breathing problem such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis.

Special warnings about this medication

Check with your doctor before using these products if you have 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day. The acetaminophen in these products can cause liver damage.

If you become dizzy or nervous, or have trouble sleeping, stop taking the product and check with your doctor.

These products contain an antihistamine that may cause drowsiness. Be especially cautious when driving, and when operating machinery. The antihistamine can also cause excitability, especially in children.

Do not take these products for more than 7 days. If your symptoms do not improve, get worse, or include a fever that lasts for more than 3 days, stop taking the product and call your doctor. Do likewise if you notice redness or swelling.

You should also check with your doctor immediately if you have a severe sore throat for more than 2 days, accompanied or followed by fever, headache, rash, nausea, or vomiting.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking this medication

Do not use these products within 2 weeks of taking a drug classified as an MAO inhibitor, such as the antidepressants Nardil and Parnate. Do not combine these products with others that contain acetaminophen, such as Tylenol.

If you are taking a tranquilizer such as Valium or Xanax, or a sleep aid such as Halcion or Seconal, do not take these products without your doctor's approval; the combination could cause extreme drowsiness. For the same reason, avoid alcohol while taking these drugs.