Dosing and uses of Alka-Seltzer Heartburn Relief (citric acid/sodium bicarbonate)
Adult dosage forms and strengths
citric acid/sodium bicarbonate
effervescent tablet
- 1000mg/1940mg
Indigestion/Heartburn
Dissolve 2 tablets in water and drink effervescent solution q4hr PRn
Not to exceed 8 tablets/24 hr
Administration
Fully dissolve tablets in 4 oz of water before drinking
Pediatric dosage forms and strengths
citric acid/sodium bicarbonate
effervescent tablet
- 1000mg/1940mg
Indigestion/Heartburn
<12 years: Safety and efficacy not established
≥12 years: Dissolve 2 tablets in water and drink effervescent solution q4hr PRN; not to exceed 8 tablets/24 hr
Administration
Fully dissolve tablets in 4 oz of water before drinking
Geriatric dosage forms and strengths
Indigestion/Heartburn
Dissolve 2 tablets in water and drink effervescent solution q4hr PRn
Adults >60 years: Not to exceed 4 tablets/24 hr
Warnings
Contraindications
None
Cautions
Sodium-restricted diet; 575 mg sodium/tablet
Phenylketonurics; contains phenylalanine 5.6 mg/tablet
Discontinue if taken maximum dosage for 2 weeks without relief
Alters gastric pH and may interfere with absorption of some concurrent medications
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy category: C
Lactation: Unknown whether distributed in breast milk
Pregnant or breastfeeding patients should seek advice of health professional before using OTC drugs
Pregnancy categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.
C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.
D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.
X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.
NA: Information not available.
Pharmacology of Alka-Seltzer Heartburn Relief (citric acid/sodium bicarbonate)
Mechanism of action
Citric acid: Antacid; forms sodium citrate which neutralizes stomach acid
Sodium bicarbonate: Antacid; reacts with and neutralizes hydrochloric acid in the stomach
