Alka-Seltzer Plus Honey Lemon Zest Cold & Flu Effervescent Tablets are a popular, over-the-counter (OTC) multi-symptom cold and flu remedy formulated for adults and children aged 12 years and above. Each pack contains 6 effervescent tablets that dissolve rapidly in water to deliver a soothing, honey lemon-flavoured drink that targets the most disruptive symptoms of colds and flu simultaneously.
The effervescent format is designed for faster absorption than standard solid tablets, making it a preferred choice for those seeking prompt relief. If you are looking to buy Alka-Seltzer Plus Honey Lemon Zest Cold & Flu in Kenya, this product combines comfort and efficacy in one pleasant-tasting dose — widely available at registered pharmacies and a reliable option for multi-symptom cold and flu treatment in Kenya.
Key Benefits
- Targets multiple cold and flu symptoms in a single dose — no need for several separate medicines
- Relieves nasal and sinus congestion effectively
- Reduces fever, headache, body aches, and sore throat pain
- Effervescent format dissolves fast for quicker absorption and onset of action
- Soothing honey lemon zest flavour makes doses more comfortable to take when feeling unwell
- Gentle on the stomach — effervescent delivery buffers the active ingredients
- Individually wrapped tablets for convenience and portability
- OTC — no prescription required for adults and children aged 12 and above
What It Is & How It Works
Active Ingredients
Each effervescent tablet contains:
| Active Ingredient | Strength | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Aspirin (Acetylsalicylic Acid) | 325 mg | Analgesic/Antipyretic/Anti-inflammatory — relieves pain, reduces fever and inflammation |
| Phenylephrine Bitartrate | 7.8 mg | Decongestant — relieves nasal and sinus congestion |
| Chlorphenamine Maleate | 2 mg | Antihistamine — relieves runny nose, sneezing, and watery eyes |
How Each Ingredient Works
- Aspirin inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2) enzymes, reducing the production of prostaglandins responsible for pain, fever, and inflammation. It provides broad symptomatic relief across headache, body aches, sore throat, and elevated temperature
- Phenylephrine acts as a sympathomimetic alpha-adrenergic agonist, constricting dilated blood vessels in the nasal mucosa to reduce swelling, congestion, and sinus pressure
- Chlorphenamine is a first-generation antihistamine that blocks H1 receptors, reducing the histamine-driven symptoms of a cold — runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, and postnasal drip
Classification
This product is classified as an Over-the-Counter (OTC) medicine. It can be purchased without a prescription in Kenya. Consult a pharmacist if you are unsure whether this product is suitable for you.
Formulation
Effervescent tablets. Each pack contains 6 tablets. Drop one tablet into a glass of water (approximately 120 mL), allow it to fully dissolve, and drink the solution immediately. Do not swallow tablets whole or chew them.
Uses & Indications
Alka-Seltzer Plus Honey Lemon Zest Cold & Flu Tablets may be used for the symptomatic relief of:
- Nasal congestion and blocked sinuses
- Runny nose and sneezing
- Watery or itchy eyes associated with colds
- Fever (pyrexia) associated with colds and flu
- Headache and sinus headache
- Sore throat pain
- Body aches, muscle pain, and general malaise linked to flu
- Postnasal drip and catarrh
IMPORTANT: This product is NOT intended for children under 12 years of age. Do not use in younger children without specific medical advice. Due to the aspirin content, this product must NOT be given to anyone under 16 years of age with a viral illness — see Warnings section.
Dosage & Administration
NOTE: Use only as directed on the label or by a pharmacist. Do not exceed the recommended dose or duration of use.
| Age Group | Dose | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Adults and children 16+ years | 2 tablets | Every 4 hours as needed |
| Adults and children 12–15 years | Consult a pharmacist before use — aspirin caution applies | — |
| Maximum daily dose | 8 tablets | Do not exceed in 24 hours |
Administration Instructions
- Drop the tablet(s) into a full glass of water (approximately 120 mL) and allow to fully dissolve before drinking
- Do not swallow tablets whole, chew, or crush them
- Drink the solution immediately after dissolving
- May be taken with food if stomach upset occurs
- Do not take more than 8 tablets in any 24-hour period
- Do not use for more than 3 days for fever or more than 7 days for pain without consulting a healthcare provider
- Do not use alongside other aspirin-containing, salicylate-containing, or NSAID-containing products
- Space doses evenly — allow at least 4 hours between doses
Possible Side Effects
Like all medicines, Alka-Seltzer Plus Honey Lemon Zest Cold & Flu Tablets may cause side effects in some people. These are generally uncommon when used at recommended doses. Stop use and consult your pharmacist or doctor if you experience any of the following:
Common
- Nausea or mild stomach upset — take with food to minimise
- Drowsiness or sedation (related to chlorphenamine)
- Dry mouth, nose, or throat
Less Common
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- Difficulty sleeping or restlessness
- Increased blood pressure or heart palpitations (related to phenylephrine)
- Urinary retention, particularly in older males with prostate issues
- Blurred vision
WARNING: Rare but serious — seek immediate medical attention if you experience: severe allergic reactions (rash, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing), gastrointestinal bleeding (black or tarry stools, vomiting blood), severe skin reactions, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), or signs of Reye’s Syndrome in younger patients (persistent vomiting, confusion, or unusual behaviour following a viral illness).
This is not a complete list of side effects. Consult a pharmacist or doctor for full information.
Warnings & Precautions
CONTRAINDICATION: Do NOT use if you are allergic to aspirin, salicylates, chlorphenamine, phenylephrine, or any other ingredient in this product. Do NOT use if you have a known aspirin-sensitive asthma or aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease.
Do Not Use If You:
- Are under 16 years of age and have or are recovering from a viral illness — risk of Reye’s Syndrome, a rare but serious condition affecting the brain and liver
- Have active peptic ulcer disease or a history of gastrointestinal bleeding
- Are taking anticoagulants such as warfarin — aspirin significantly increases bleeding risk
- Are taking other NSAIDs, salicylates, or aspirin-containing products
- Have severe liver or kidney disease
- Are in the last trimester of pregnancy — aspirin may harm the unborn baby
Use With Caution If You Have:
- Asthma or chronic respiratory conditions — aspirin may trigger bronchospasm in sensitive individuals
- High blood pressure (hypertension) — phenylephrine may elevate blood pressure
- Diabetes, hyperthyroidism, or cardiovascular disease
- Glaucoma or urinary retention issues
- Liver or kidney impairment
- A history of peptic ulcers or stomach sensitivity
Do Not Combine With:
- Anticoagulants (warfarin, heparin) — risk of serious bleeding
- Other NSAIDs or salicylate-containing medicines
- Antidepressants, particularly MAOIs — dangerous interaction with phenylephrine
- Blood pressure medications — phenylephrine may reduce their effectiveness
- Sedatives, tranquilisers, or alcohol — chlorphenamine enhances sedative effects
- Methotrexate — aspirin may increase its toxicity
CLINICAL NOTE (Kenya-specific): Aspirin should be used with particular caution in Kenya given the prevalence of malaria, dengue fever, and other febrile illnesses. Aspirin and NSAIDs are generally avoided in suspected dengue fever due to the risk of haemorrhage. If fever persists beyond 48 hours or is accompanied by chills, rigors, or sweating, seek medical evaluation before continuing self-treatment. Additionally, chlorphenamine causes drowsiness — caution is advised when driving, operating machinery, or working in the sun.
Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
Storage Instructions
- Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place
- Protect from direct sunlight, heat, and humidity
- Keep tablets in their original packaging — effervescent tablets are highly sensitive to moisture
- Do not handle tablets with wet hands
- Store out of reach and sight of children
- Do not use after the expiry date printed on the packaging
- Do not transfer tablets to another container
- Dispose of unused or expired tablets safely at your local registered pharmacy
Mandatory Disclaimer
Always read the label and use as directed. Do not exceed the stated dose. If your symptoms persist for more than 3 days (fever) or 7 days (pain and congestion), worsen, or are accompanied by high fever, difficulty breathing, severe headache, or chest pain, stop use and consult a healthcare professional immediately. This product information is provided for general guidance only and does not replace professional medical or pharmaceutical advice.






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