Alka-Seltzer Extra Strength Effervescent Tablets, 6s — Powerful, Fast-Acting Relief for Heartburn, Indigestion, Headache & Pain

Alka-Seltzer Extra Strength Effervescent Tablets are a trusted, over-the-counter (OTC) remedy formulated for adults seeking fast, powerful relief from heartburn, acid indigestion, upset stomach, and pain. Each pack contains 6 effervescent tablets that dissolve rapidly in water to deliver a fizzing solution that begins working almost immediately upon ingestion.

The extra strength formulation contains a higher dose of aspirin compared to the original Alka-Seltzer, making it particularly suited for those experiencing simultaneous pain and stomach discomfort. If you are looking to buy Alka-Seltzer Extra Strength Effervescent Tablets in Kenya, this product is a well-recognised pharmacy staple for heartburn and indigestion treatment in Kenya, available at registered pharmacies nationwide.

Key Benefits

• Extra strength formula provides more powerful pain and antacid relief than standard Alka-Seltzer
• Rapidly neutralises excess stomach acid to relieve heartburn, acid indigestion, and sour stomach
• Relieves headache, minor aches, and pains alongside stomach discomfort
• Effervescent format dissolves fast for quicker absorption and faster onset of action
• Gentle fizzing action is easy on the stomach compared to standard solid tablets
• Individually packaged tablets for convenience, portability, and accurate dosing
• Pleasant-tasting effervescent drink — easier to take when feeling unwell
• OTC — no prescription required for adults

What It Is & How It Works

Active Ingredients

Each effervescent tablet contains:

How Each Ingredient Works

• Aspirin inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2) enzymes, reducing prostaglandin synthesis responsible for pain and fever. It provides effective relief from headache, body aches, and minor pain
• Sodium Bicarbonate is an alkaline antacid that directly neutralises hydrochloric acid in the stomach, rapidly raising gastric pH to relieve the burning sensation of heartburn and acid indigestion. It also acts as a buffer to reduce the gastric irritation that aspirin alone can cause
• Citric Acid reacts with sodium bicarbonate in water to produce carbon dioxide gas — creating the characteristic effervescent action. This reaction also produces sodium citrate in solution, which further contributes to antacid activity and enhances the speed of absorption

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 the required number of tablets into a glass of water (approximately 120 mL), allow them to fully dissolve, and drink the solution immediately. Do not swallow tablets whole or chew them.

Uses & Indications

Alka-Seltzer Extra Strength Effervescent Tablets may be used for the relief of:

• Heartburn and acid reflux discomfort
• Acid indigestion and sour stomach
• Upset stomach associated with heartburn or overindulgence in food and drink
• Headache occurring alongside stomach upset or indigestion
• Minor aches and pains
• Fever (mild, in adults)
• Hangover symptoms — headache and stomach upset

IMPORTANT: This product is NOT intended for children under 16 years of age due to the aspirin content. Do not use in younger individuals without specific medical advice.

Dosage & Administration

NOTE: Use only as directed on the label or by a pharmacist. Do not exceed the recommended dose or duration of use.

Administration Instructions

• Drop the tablet(s) into a full glass of water (approximately 120 mL) and allow to fully dissolve — wait for fizzing to completely stop before drinking
• Do not swallow tablets whole, crush, or chew them
• Drink the solution immediately after dissolving
• Take on a full stomach or with food where possible to reduce the risk of stomach irritation from aspirin
• Do not take more than 7 tablets in any 24-hour period
• Do not use for more than 3 days for fever or more than 10 days for pain without consulting a healthcare provider
• Space doses evenly — allow at least 6 hours between doses
• Do not use alongside other aspirin, salicylate, or NSAID-containing products

Possible Side Effects

Like all medicines, Alka-Seltzer Extra Strength Effervescent 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 discomfort
• Belching or bloating from the effervescent carbon dioxide release
• Mild heartburn rebound if used frequently

Less Common

• Dizziness or light-headedness
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) — a sign of aspirin sensitivity or early toxicity
• Increased thirst (related to sodium bicarbonate content)

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 or coffee ground-like material), severe stomach pain, signs of sodium overload (swollen ankles, difficulty breathing, rapid weight gain), or persistent ringing in the ears.

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, or any other ingredient in this product. Do NOT use if you have aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease or aspirin-sensitive asthma.

Do Not Use If You:

• Are under 16 years of age — risk of Reye’s Syndrome associated with aspirin use during viral illness
• Have active peptic ulcer disease or a history of gastrointestinal bleeding or perforation
• Are taking anticoagulants such as warfarin or heparin — aspirin significantly increases bleeding risk
• Are in the last trimester of pregnancy — aspirin may harm the unborn baby and complicate delivery
• Have severe kidney disease, liver disease, or heart failure
• Are on a sodium-restricted diet — each tablet contains a significant amount of sodium from sodium bicarbonate

Use With Caution If You Have:

• Chronic heartburn or frequent indigestion — frequent antacid use may mask a more serious underlying condition such as peptic ulcer disease or gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD); consult a doctor
• Hypertension or cardiovascular disease — high sodium content may worsen fluid retention and raise blood pressure
• Kidney disease — sodium bicarbonate and aspirin both require careful monitoring in renal impairment
• Liver disease — aspirin metabolism may be impaired
• Gout — aspirin at low doses may reduce uric acid excretion
• G6PD deficiency — prevalent in some Kenyan populations; consult a pharmacist before use

Do Not Combine With:

• Anticoagulants (warfarin, heparin, clopidogrel) — risk of serious or life-threatening bleeding
• Other NSAIDs or salicylate-containing medicines — duplicated effect and increased side effect risk
• Methotrexate — aspirin may significantly increase its toxicity
• ACE inhibitors or diuretics — aspirin may reduce their effectiveness
• Antacids or other sodium bicarbonate products — risk of alkalosis and sodium overload
• Alcohol — increases the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding with aspirin

CLINICAL NOTE (Kenya-specific): This product contains a significant amount of sodium per tablet (approximately 588 mg sodium per tablet). Individuals managing hypertension — a condition with high prevalence in Kenya — should consult a pharmacist or doctor before regular use. Additionally, aspirin should be avoided in suspected dengue fever due to the risk of haemorrhage, which is particularly relevant in dengue-endemic regions of Kenya. If fever persists beyond 48 hours or is accompanied by chills, rigors, or sweating, seek medical evaluation before continuing self-treatment.

Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose — particularly aspirin overdose — seek emergency medical attention immediately even if symptoms appear mild. Aspirin toxicity can deteriorate rapidly.

Storage Instructions

• Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place
• Protect from direct sunlight, heat, and humidity
• Keep tablets in their original packaging at all times — effervescent tablets are highly sensitive to moisture and will begin to dissolve prematurely if exposed to air or humidity
• 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), 10 days (pain), or 2 weeks (heartburn and indigestion), worsen, or are accompanied by difficulty swallowing, persistent vomiting, or blood in stool, stop use and consult a healthcare professional immediately. Frequent or prolonged use of antacids without medical supervision may mask a serious underlying condition. This product information is provided for general guidance only and does not replace professional medical or pharmaceutical advice.

References

1. Bayer Consumer Health — Alka-Seltzer Extra Strength Official Product Information
2. World Health Organization (WHO) — Aspirin & Sodium Bicarbonate: Essential Medicines Monographs