Brand name:

Alka-Seltzer Morning Relief

Pronounced: AL-ka-SELL-tser

Generic ingredients: Aspirin, Caffeine

What this drug is used for

This variety of Alka-Seltzer is marketed specifically for hangovers. It provides temporary relief of headache, body aches and pains, fatigue, and drowsiness.

How should you take this medication?

Do not swallow these tablets whole. They must be dissolved in water.

* ADULTS
For adults and children 12 and over, the usual dose is 2 tablets dissolved in 4 ounces of water. Doses may be repeated every 6 hours. Do not take more than 8 tablets in 24 hours.

* CHILDREN
Not recommended.

* OLDER ADULTS
The usual adult dose applies, but avoid taking more than 4 tablets in 24 hours.

Do not take this medication if...

Do not take this product if you are allergic to aspirin or any other pain reliever/fever reducer. Check with your doctor before using this product if you have asthma, ulcers, persistent stomach problems, or bleeding problems, or you are on a sodium-restricted diet.

Special warnings about this medication

The aspirin in Alka-Seltzer Morning Relief has been known to trigger a serious illness called Reye's syndrome in children and teenagers who catch a virus. If your child gets chickenpox or flu, do not treat the symptoms with this product.

Stop using this product and call your doctor if pain gets worse or lasts more than 10 days. Do likewise if you develop new symptoms, notice redness or swelling, develop ringing in the ears, or suffer a loss of hearing. If you have an allergic reaction to the product, seek medical attention immediately.

Do not take this product during the last 3 months of pregnancy. It could harm the baby or cause complications during delivery. Earlier during pregnancy, and while nursing a baby, check with your doctor before taking this product.

If you have 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day, check with your doctor about using this product. The aspirin it contains can cause stomach bleeding.

Large amounts of the caffeine in this product can cause nervousness, irritability, sleeplessness, and rapid heartbeat. Limit your intake of other caffeine-containing medications, foods, and beverages. Do not use this product regularly as a substitute for sleep. If you continue to suffer fatigue or drowsiness, see your doctor.

If you must avoid phenylalanine, do not use this product, which contains it.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking this medication

Aspirin-containing products such as Alka-Seltzer Morning Relief can interact with a number of prescription drugs. Check with your doctor before combining it with any of the following:

Acetazolamide (Diamox)
ACE-inhibitor-type blood pressure medications such as Capoten
Anti-gout drugs such as Anturane, Benemid, and Zyloprim
Arthritis preparations such as Aleve, Anaprox, Ecotrin, Indocin, Motrin, Naprosyn, and Orudis
Blood-thinning drugs such as Coumadin
Certain diuretics (water pills), including Lasix
Diabetes medications, including DiaBeta, Diabinese, Micronase, and Glucotrol
Diltiazem (Cardizem)
Dipyridamole (Persantine)
Seizure medications such as Depakene
Steroids such as prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone)