Can I take Alka-Seltzer for acid reflux or gastritis?

Alka-Seltzer Original contains sodium bicarbonate, which can neutralise acid, but it also contains aspirin. That combination may not be suitable for people with gastritis, ulcers, stomach bleeding, or aspirin sensitivity. Check the exact product label and ask a pharmacist or clinician before using it for recurrent acid reflux or gastritis.

Is Alka-Seltzer bad for your stomach?

Alka-Seltzer can irritate the stomach in some users because Alka-Seltzer Original contains aspirin, an NSAID. The risk is more important for people with ulcers, previous gastrointestinal bleeding, aspirin sensitivity, or medicines that increase bleeding risk. Follow the local label and do not use the product to mask persistent stomach symptoms.

Is Alka-Seltzer good for a hangover?

Alka-Seltzer has long been marketed in connection with hangover relief, and a 1990s business reference described it as a leading hangover remedy. Alka-Seltzer Original contains aspirin, however, and aspirin can irritate the stomach or increase bleeding risk, especially after alcohol use. The product should be used only according to the local label.

What is the difference between Alka-Seltzer Original and Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold and Flu?

Alka-Seltzer Original is an effervescent product associated with antacid and pain-relief uses. Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold and Flu products are separate formulations designed for cold and flu symptoms and may contain different active ingredients. The package label is the authoritative source for the ingredients, approved uses, warnings, and dosage of each product.

Does Alka-Seltzer contain an NSAID?

Alka-Seltzer Original contains aspirin, also known as acetylsalicylic acid, which is an NSAID. Not every product carrying the Alka-Seltzer name has the same ingredients, so consumers should check the specific package before use.

Can Alka-Seltzer help with indigestion?

Alka-Seltzer Original can be used for acid-related indigestion where the local product label approves that use. Sodium bicarbonate provides antacid activity, while the product may also contain aspirin. Indigestion that is severe, frequent, or associated with chest pain, vomiting, bleeding, or difficulty swallowing requires medical advice.

Who makes Alka-Seltzer today?

Bayer AG ultimately owns Alka-Seltzer. The manufacturer and marketing-authorisation holder can differ by country and product. For example, the United Kingdom leaflet identifies Bayer Bitterfeld GmbH in Germany as the manufacturer of Alka-Seltzer Original and Bayer plc as the marketing-authorisation holder.

Who owns Alka-Seltzer?

Alka-Seltzer

Ultimate ownerGermanyBayer AG

Brand origin: United States
Main production: Several countries, incl. Mexico

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Political donations in the US

Bayer gave US$1,000,000 to Donald Trump's inauguration in January 2025.

The company's political action committee gave 29% to Republican and 30% to Democratic candidates in the 2025 to 2026 election cycle.

Information from the US Federal Election Commission (FEC). Made O'Meter takes no side. Source: FEC · the PAC

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About Alka-Seltzer

What is Alka-Seltzer?

Alka-Seltzer is an over-the-counter medicine brand associated with effervescent tablets that dissolve in water. The original product combines aspirin, sodium bicarbonate, and citric acid. The ingredients produce effervescence while the product provides analgesic and antacid effects. Current Alka-Seltzer products vary by country and formulation. Bayer’s portfolio includes Alka-Seltzer among its Consumer Health brands, alongside Aspirin, Claritin, and Afrin. Bayer reported Consumer Health sales of €5.802 billion in 2025. Alka-Seltzer is sold through the official website alka-seltzer.com and through retail and pharmacy channels in multiple markets.

Who owns Alka-Seltzer?

Alka-Seltzer is ultimately owned by Bayer AG, according to Made O’Meter’s ownership data verified on 13 September 2026. Bayer AG is a publicly listed company headquartered in Germany. Bayer acquired Miles Laboratories and its subsidiaries in 1978, including the Alka-Seltzer product line. Bayer paid approximately $253 million, or $47 per share, for Miles Laboratories. Miles remained a Bayer-owned business during the transition from Miles Laboratories to Miles Inc. and later Bayer Corporation. Bayer retained ownership of Alka-Seltzer when Miles Laboratories was rebranded and subsequently consolidated into Bayer’s North American operations.

Where does Alka-Seltzer come from?

Alka-Seltzer originated in Elkhart, Indiana, in the United States. Andrew H. “Hub” Beardsley, an executive associated with the Dr. Miles Medical Company, learned during the 1928 influenza epidemic of a newspaper editor’s mixture of aspirin, bicarbonate of soda, and lemon juice. Miles chief chemist J. Maurice Treneer developed the commercial product after further experimentation. The Dr. Miles Medical Company launched Alka-Seltzer in 1931. The Dr. Miles Medical Company had been founded in Elkhart in 1884 by Dr. Franklin L. Miles. The company became Dr. Miles Laboratories in 1932 and changed its name to Miles Laboratories in 1935.

What products does Alka-Seltzer make?

Alka-Seltzer makes several categories of over-the-counter medicines, including original effervescent tablets, digestive health products, pain relief products, and cold and flu products. Alka-Seltzer Original contains aspirin, sodium hydrogen carbonate, and citric acid in the United Kingdom formulation. The formulation listed for that product contains 324 milligrams of aspirin per tablet. Alka-Seltzer Plus products are formulated for cold and flu symptoms rather than being identical to Alka-Seltzer Original. Product names and ingredients differ between countries. Alka-Seltzer Gold is a product name used for a formulation distinct from Alka-Seltzer Original in some markets. Consumers need to read the local package label because the active ingredients, dosage instructions, and approved uses vary by product and country.

How did Alka-Seltzer’s ownership change?

Alka-Seltzer passed from the Dr. Miles Medical Company and its successor, Miles Laboratories, to Bayer AG through Bayer’s acquisition of Miles Laboratories in 1978. The Dr. Miles Medical Company was the original maker of Alka-Seltzer after the product launched in 1931. In 1932, the business became Dr. Miles Laboratories, and in 1935 it became Miles Laboratories. Bayer offered $40 per share for Miles Laboratories in 1977. Bayer ultimately paid $47 per share, for a total of approximately $253 million, in the 1978 acquisition. Bayer owned Miles Laboratories from 1979 until 1995. Miles Laboratories was rebranded as Miles Inc. by late 1987, while Bayer continued to own Alka-Seltzer. Bayer reorganized its American operations under the Bayer USA name in 1986. In 1995, the former Miles business was renamed Bayer Corporation and consolidated into Bayer’s North American organization. Bayer also reclaimed United Kingdom sales and distribution of Alka-Seltzer from Warner Wellcome beginning in 1996.

How was Alka-Seltzer advertised?

Alka-Seltzer became associated with the advertising phrase and jingle “Plop, Plop, Fizz, Fizz.” The brand was also represented by an animated Alka-Seltzer character. Miles used radio advertising early in the product’s history. In 1933, Miles sponsored the Chicago radio program Saturday Night Barn Dance as an Alka-Seltzer advertising initiative. The product’s distinctive effervescent preparation became central to its advertising identity. Alka-Seltzer’s advertising history helped connect the product with rapid dissolution in water and relief-oriented consumer messaging. The 1933 radio sponsorship took place while Miles was developing the brand’s national presence after its 1931 launch.

Where is Alka-Seltzer sold and manufactured?

Alka-Seltzer has been sold in more than 100 countries according to a 1990s business reference. Current manufacturing depends on the specific Alka-Seltzer product and market. The United Kingdom patient information leaflet for Alka-Seltzer Original identifies Bayer Bitterfeld GmbH in Bitterfeld-Wolfen, Germany, as the manufacturer. Bayer plc is identified as the United Kingdom marketing authorisation holder. Bayer launched Alka-Seltzer in India in 2026 with a locally developed product manufactured in India. A Mexican production facility has also been identified as manufacturing Alka-Seltzer products for Mexico and export markets. These examples do not establish that every Alka-Seltzer product is made at the same site. Bayer’s local manufacturing and regulatory arrangements vary by formulation and country.

How big are Alka-Seltzer and Bayer?

A 1990s business reference reported that Alka-Seltzer was available in more than 100 countries and generated approximately $90 million in annual sales at that time. Miles Laboratories reported total sales of nearly $320 million in 1972, with Alka-Seltzer identified as the principal driver of the company’s worldwide growth. Bayer reported Group sales of €45.575 billion in 2025. Bayer’s Consumer Health division reported sales of €5.802 billion in 2025. Consumer Health includes Bayer’s self-care products across categories such as digestive health, dermatology, pain and cardio, nutritionals, and allergy and cold. Bayer reported that Consumer Health sales in the Digestive Health category increased by 3.7 percent on a currency-adjusted basis in 2025. Bayer does not report Alka-Seltzer sales separately in the cited annual-report figures.

What are Alka-Seltzer’s ingredients and how does the tablet work?

Alka-Seltzer Original tablets use an acid and bicarbonate reaction to dissolve with effervescence in water. The United Kingdom formulation lists aspirin, sodium hydrogen carbonate, and citric acid as its active or other ingredients. The aspirin is acetylsalicylic acid, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, also called an NSAID. Sodium bicarbonate contributes antacid activity by neutralising acid. Citric acid contributes to the effervescent reaction and flavour. A 1973 description of Alka-Seltzer tablets listed sodium bicarbonate, monocalcium phosphate, aspirin, and citric acid for flavouring and effervescence. Formulations are not identical in every market. Alka-Seltzer Plus cold and flu products contain different active ingredients from Alka-Seltzer Original and should be assessed by reading the package information for the specific product.

What regulatory issues and recalls has Alka-Seltzer had?

Alka-Seltzer has faced regulatory and product-quality issues during its history. In 1973, The New York Times reported a $143 million legal and regulatory controversy concerning aspirin in Alka-Seltzer tablets. That controversy related to the presence and regulatory treatment of aspirin in the product. More recently, Bayer recalled 1,048,256 cartons of an Alka-Seltzer product after confirming consumer complaints about holes or cracks in blister packs. The recalled product had been manufactured at a plant in Germany. Recall scope, affected lots, and consumer instructions depend on the country and product involved. Consumers should consult the relevant national medicines regulator or Bayer recall notice for current information about a specific package.

Is Alka-Seltzer an antacid and is it good for heartburn?

Alka-Seltzer Original is an antacid product that can also contain aspirin, but whether it is appropriate for heartburn depends on the specific formulation and the individual’s health circumstances. Sodium bicarbonate can neutralise stomach acid, while the effervescent tablet dissolves in water. Alka-Seltzer Original also contains aspirin, so it is not simply an aspirin-free antacid. People with aspirin sensitivity, a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding, or restrictions on NSAID use should check the label and seek advice from a pharmacist or clinician before using it. Persistent heartburn, severe pain, difficulty swallowing, vomiting blood, or black stools requires medical assessment rather than repeated self-treatment.

Is Alka-Seltzer good for an upset stomach, nausea, gas, bloating, or diarrhea?

Alka-Seltzer products are not interchangeable treatments for every upset-stomach symptom. Original Alka-Seltzer is marketed as an effervescent antacid and pain-relief product, so its ingredients may address acid-related indigestion in the products approved for that use. Alka-Seltzer does not treat every cause of nausea, gas, bloating, or diarrhea. Alka-Seltzer Plus cold and flu products are intended for cold symptoms and are not digestive medicines. Aspirin-containing products can irritate the stomach and are not appropriate for some people. Symptoms that are severe, prolonged, recurrent, or accompanied by dehydration, fever, blood, or significant abdominal pain should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

Subsidiaries: Bayer plc (UK)

Frequently asked questions about Alka-Seltzer

Can I take Alka-Seltzer for acid reflux or gastritis?: Alka-Seltzer Original contains sodium bicarbonate, which can neutralise acid, but it also contains aspirin. That combination may not be suitable for people with gastritis, ulcers, stomach bleeding, or aspirin sensitivity. Check the exact product label and ask a pharmacist or clinician before using it for recurrent acid reflux or gastritis.
Is Alka-Seltzer bad for your stomach?: Alka-Seltzer can irritate the stomach in some users because Alka-Seltzer Original contains aspirin, an NSAID. The risk is more important for people with ulcers, previous gastrointestinal bleeding, aspirin sensitivity, or medicines that increase bleeding risk. Follow the local label and do not use the product to mask persistent stomach symptoms.
Is Alka-Seltzer good for a hangover?: Alka-Seltzer has long been marketed in connection with hangover relief, and a 1990s business reference described it as a leading hangover remedy. Alka-Seltzer Original contains aspirin, however, and aspirin can irritate the stomach or increase bleeding risk, especially after alcohol use. The product should be used only according to the local label.
What is the difference between Alka-Seltzer Original and Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold and Flu?: Alka-Seltzer Original is an effervescent product associated with antacid and pain-relief uses. Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold and Flu products are separate formulations designed for cold and flu symptoms and may contain different active ingredients. The package label is the authoritative source for the ingredients, approved uses, warnings, and dosage of each product.
Does Alka-Seltzer contain an NSAID?: Alka-Seltzer Original contains aspirin, also known as acetylsalicylic acid, which is an NSAID. Not every product carrying the Alka-Seltzer name has the same ingredients, so consumers should check the specific package before use.
Can Alka-Seltzer help with indigestion?: Alka-Seltzer Original can be used for acid-related indigestion where the local product label approves that use. Sodium bicarbonate provides antacid activity, while the product may also contain aspirin. Indigestion that is severe, frequent, or associated with chest pain, vomiting, bleeding, or difficulty swallowing requires medical advice.
Who makes Alka-Seltzer today?: Bayer AG ultimately owns Alka-Seltzer. The manufacturer and marketing-authorisation holder can differ by country and product. For example, the United Kingdom leaflet identifies Bayer Bitterfeld GmbH in Germany as the manufacturer of Alka-Seltzer Original and Bayer plc as the marketing-authorisation holder.