The post will narrate Alka Seltzer Plus uses, side effects and interactions. You will also know how to use the medication safely and what to do in cases of any side effect.
Alka Seltzer Plus Flu
Alka Seltzer Plus is a type of medication used to treat some common medical conditions like allergies, common cold, flu and other similar illnesses. It’s also used to treat some breathing illnesses like bronchitis and sinusitis as well.
Dextromethorphan is basically a cough suppressant affecting the central part of brain also known as CNS (Central Nervous System).
After giving this medication, the patient reduces the urge to cough. Other than that decongestants help reduce the problem of stuffy nose and ear congestion symptoms.
Acetaminophen (APAP) is a non-aspirin pain relieving and fever reducing medication. For example, antihistamines help relieve the symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes/nose/throat and watery eyes.
Please be aware that his medication is not used to treat cough from asthma or any other type of long term breathing illness like asthma and emphysema.
Please avoid this medication in cases of the formation of lot of mucous unless directed by your physician.
While using Alka Seltzer Plus, please be aware that such type of medications that are primarily meant to treat cough and similar conditions are not found effective in children below 6 years of age.
And so, lease do not use it in children who are below 6 years of age unless specifically prescribed by your doctor.
All these medications do not actually cure the problem of common cold and are also known to cause some serious side effects as well.
In order to minimize the effect of side effects you must carefully follow all the dosage information.
In case of any confusion, always consult your doctor before giving it to them.
How to use Alka Seltzer Plus Flu
You need to take Alka Seltzer Plus only after your doctor has prescribed it. Even if you are taking this medication, always follow the instruction given on the label. In case of any queries, always consult your doctor.
You can always take this medication by mouth (orally) as directed by your doctor. In case your stomach is upset, you may take the medication with milk or food. It’s suggested to drink loads of fluids after taking this medication.
If you are using the liquid form of Seltzer Plus, you must carefully measure the dose. This will ensure a safe quantity of drug that you administer.
In case, you have decided to use the chewable form of Alka Seltzer Plus, chew it thoroughly before swallowing.
Please note that the medication is actually designed as per your medical condition, age and the response to your treatment. Be aware not to increase your dose without the permission of your doctor.
Improper use of this type of medication can lead to some side effects like fever, persistent headache and rashes on skin. If anything of that sort happens, consult your physician.
Side Effects of Alka Seltzer Plus
Some common side effects associated with Alka Seltzer Plus include dry mouth/throat/nose, constipation,, nervousness, nausea, upset stomach, blurred vision, dizziness, Drowsiness and more. If anything such happens, consult your doctor.
Please note that if your doctor has prescribed Alka Seltzer Plus then he must have considered it beneficial for you. It’s mainly because many people using this medication have not reported any type of serious complication after taking it.
Other than general side effects, a person may also experience some serious side effects as well.
These may include trouble breathing, severe dizziness, serious allergic reaction like rashes and more. Please note that these allergic reactions are not limited and can be more. In any case, contact your doctor for remedy.
Precautions
There are certain precautions that you may need to follow before taking Alka Seltzer Plus in any form. The best thing will be to first tel your doctor if you are allergic to any of its ingredients or if you are allergic to any other thing.
It’s because Alka Seltzer Plus contains a number of allergic ingredients that may result producing some allergic reactions including some other problems. Simply, talk to your doctor for any confusion.
It would be wise if you converse with your doctor regarding your medical history like you are a patient of emphysema, asthma or any other breathing problem.
Similarly, you can tell your doctor more about any other disease like smoking problem, overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism),, kidney problems, heart problems, glaucoma, diabetes and more.
It has been observed that taking Alka Seltzer Plus can make you little drowsy or dizzy. And if you smoke, it can make you feel more dizzy. You should talk to your doctor if you take marijuana (cannabis).
Alka Seltzer Plus is also available in liquid form. It can also be chewed as well. In any case, you need to take caution before you take this medication, especially in cases like phenylketonuria (PKU), liver ailment, alcohol dependence or diabetes.
If you are pregnant, then take this medication only under the supervision of a qualified physician only. Also discuss the risks and benefits of taking Alka Seltzer Plus before taking it.
Interactions
Any type of drug interaction depends on how your medications are going to produce side effects.
Some products that are found to interact with Alka Seltzer Plus include tricyclic antidepressants (desipramine, amitriptyline), phenothiazines, methyldopa, levoketoconazole, guanethidine and phenytoin.
The ingredients of this medication can be found in some other medications as well. It’s your responsibility to properly check all the ingredients before purchasing this medication.
If you are in any sort of confusion, then the best option will be to consult with your doctor or pharmacist.
There are some ingredients in Alka Seltzer Plus that may raise your blood pressure or heart rate. So, it’s better to tell your doctor about what products are you using before taking this medication.
Overdose
If you have taken an overdose of Alka Seltzer plus and have acquired some serious symptoms like troubled breathing, you need to seek immediate medical attention. If not, you should call poison control center right away.
If you are a resident of the US, you can call on the number 1-800-222-1222. Some of the symptoms may include dizziness, weakness, headache, loss of appetite, mental/mood changes, nausea/vomiting.
Also Read: Alka Seltzer Antacid Capsules Uses, Side Effects & Interactions
