Lena Savoie
Alka-Seltzer Plus Severe Cold and Flu is a medication that combines four drugs to relieve symptoms caused by the common cold or flu. While Alka-Seltzer Plus Severe Cold and Flu does not contain alcohol, its active ingredient acetaminophen can cause permanent and life-threatening liver damage if taken in excess. Therefore, it is recommended to limit or avoid alcohol consumption while taking this medication, as drinking three or more alcoholic beverages daily is a risk factor for severe liver damage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Alcohol Content | Alka-Seltzer Plus Severe Cold and Flu does not contain alcohol but patients are advised to limit or avoid drinking alcohol while taking the medication |
| Active Ingredients | Acetaminophen, chlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and phenylephrine |
| Uses | Relieves symptoms caused by the common cold or flu, including minor aches and pains, headaches, coughs, sore throats, and nasal and sinus congestion |
| Side Effects | Dry mouth, dizziness, drowsiness, trouble sleeping |
| Health Risks | Severe liver damage, especially if taking more than 4,000 mg of acetaminophen in a 24-hour period, or consuming three or more alcoholic drinks per day |
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What You'll Learn
Alka-Seltzer Plus Severe Cold and Flu ingredients
Alka-Seltzer Plus Severe Cold and Flu is a medication that combines four drugs to relieve symptoms caused by the common cold or flu. The active ingredients are:
Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen is an analgesic, meaning it helps to relieve pain and lower fever. It does so by blocking inflammatory chemicals in the body that play a role in causing pain and fever.
Chlorpheniramine
Chlorpheniramine is an antihistamine. It blocks histamine, a natural substance in the body that causes common cold symptoms. By blocking histamine, chlorpheniramine reduces inflammation and relieves a runny or itchy nose, sneezing, and watery eyes.
Dextromethorphan
Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant. It works in the brain to reduce the urge to cough. It can also raise serotonin levels in the brain, which may cause serotonin syndrome, a rare but potentially life-threatening condition.
Phenylephrine
Phenylephrine is a decongestant that clears the sinuses to relieve sinus pressure.
Alka-Seltzer Plus Severe Cold and Flu is available in capsules, effervescent tablets, and oral liquid. It is taken by mouth every 4 hours when symptoms are present. Some people may experience side effects such as drowsiness, trouble sleeping, dry mouth, or dizziness. It is important to note that this medication may cause serious health issues, especially for those with a history of liver problems or those consuming three or more alcoholic beverages per day.
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Alka-Seltzer Plus side effects
Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold and Flu is a combination of four medications: acetaminophen (a pain reliever and fever reducer), chlorpheniramine (an antihistamine), dextromethorphan (a cough suppressant), and phenylephrine (a decongestant). It is used to treat symptoms such as nasal congestion, cough, runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, itching, and watery eyes caused by allergies, the common cold, or the flu.
While Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold and Flu can be effective in relieving these symptoms, it is important to be aware of its potential side effects. Some common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, upset stomach, nausea, nervousness, constipation, and dry mouth/nose/throat. More serious side effects may include mental/mood changes (such as confusion, hallucinations), shaking, trouble urinating, and an irregular heartbeat. A very serious allergic reaction to this medication is rare but may include symptoms such as rash, itching, severe dizziness, swelling of the face/tongue/throat, and trouble breathing.
It is important to note that drinking alcohol while taking Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold and Flu can increase certain side effects and impair your reactions. It may also increase the risk of stomach bleeding while taking aspirin, which is sometimes contained in combination medicines. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid alcohol or hazardous activities until you know how this medication affects you.
Additionally, Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold and Flu may cause serious health issues for certain individuals. Those with a history of liver problems or currently taking other medications containing acetaminophen should be cautious, as too much acetaminophen can lead to permanent and life-threatening liver damage. Dextromethorphan, another ingredient in Alka-Seltzer Plus, can raise serotonin levels in the brain, potentially leading to serotonin syndrome, a rare but life-threatening condition.
It is always important to carefully follow the dosage directions and consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any concerns or experience side effects. Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold and Flu is typically recommended for short-term use, and it should not be given to children under 6 years of age without medical advice.
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Alka-Seltzer Plus and alcohol
Alka-Seltzer Plus Severe Cold and Flu is a medication that combines four drugs to relieve symptoms caused by the common cold or flu. The active ingredients are acetaminophen, chlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and phenylephrine.
Acetaminophen is an analgesic that helps to relieve pain and reduce fever by blocking inflammatory chemicals in the body. Chlorpheniramine is an antihistamine that blocks histamine, a substance that causes common cold symptoms, thus reducing inflammation and relieving a runny or itchy nose, sneezing, and watery eyes. Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant that lowers the urge to cough by acting on the brain. Phenylephrine is a decongestant that clears the sinuses to relieve sinus pressure.
Alka-Seltzer Plus Severe Cold and Flu can cause some serious side effects and health issues, including liver damage. One of the risk factors for this is drinking three or more alcoholic beverages per day while taking the medication. Acetaminophen, one of the active ingredients in Alka-Seltzer Plus, can cause permanent and life-threatening liver damage if an excessive amount is consumed. Therefore, it is recommended to limit or avoid alcohol consumption while taking Alka-Seltzer Plus Severe Cold and Flu to minimize the risk of liver damage and other potential health complications.
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Alka-Seltzer Plus dosage
Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold & Flu is available in several forms, including effervescent tablets, capsules, oral liquid, and gels. The dosage instructions may vary depending on the specific product and formulation. Here is a breakdown of the dosage information for different Alka-Seltzer Plus products:
Alka-Seltzer Plus Severe Cold & Flu Effervescent Tablets:
The effervescent tablets are designed to dissolve quickly in water. They are available in different flavors, such as citrus and strawberry honey. The recommended dosage for these tablets is to take the medication by mouth every 4 hours when experiencing symptoms. Do not exceed the recommended dose.
Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold & Flu Maximum Strength PowerMax® Gels:
The PowerMax® Gels are designed to provide concentrated power in a smaller pill. They are available for both day and night symptom relief. It is important to follow the dosage instructions on the package, as the specific dosage may vary depending on the product strength and the time of day it is intended to be taken.
Alka-Seltzer Plus Severe Cold & Flu Capsules and Oral Liquid:
The capsules and oral liquid formulations are also taken by mouth every 4 hours as needed for symptom relief. It is important to follow the instructions provided with the product and not exceed the recommended dosage.
It is important to note that Alka-Seltzer Plus Severe Cold and Flu products contain acetaminophen, and it is crucial to be aware of the maximum amount of acetaminophen that can be taken in a 24-hour period, which is typically 4,000 mg for adults but may be lower depending on individual factors. Taking too much acetaminophen can cause permanent and life-threatening liver damage. Therefore, it is essential to carefully read the product labeling, follow the recommended dosage instructions, and consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns or questions about the appropriate dosage.
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Alka-Seltzer Plus allergy warnings
Alka-Seltzer Plus Allergy is an over-the-counter medication that provides temporary relief from allergy symptoms such as sneezing, a runny nose, and watery eyes. It contains an antihistamine called chlorpheniramine maleate, which blocks the action of histamine, a substance in the body that triggers allergic reactions.
While a serious allergic reaction to this medication is rare, you should seek immediate medical help if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Rash
- Itching or swelling, especially of the face, tongue, or throat
- Severe dizziness
- Trouble breathing
Alka-Seltzer Plus Allergy may also cause drowsiness due to the presence of diphenhydramine, a common ingredient in many allergy medications. This effect may be more pronounced at higher doses. It is important to check the labels of all your medications, as they may contain similar ingredients, increasing the risk of side effects such as a fast heartbeat or increased blood pressure.
Additionally, this medication may interfere with certain lab tests, including allergy skin tests, potentially leading to false results. Be sure to inform lab personnel and all your doctors that you are using this medication.
For long-term relief from allergies, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice and treatment options that address the underlying immune response causing the allergies.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Alka-Seltzer Cold and Flu does not contain alcohol. However, it is advised that you limit or avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication.
The active ingredients in Alka-Seltzer Cold and Flu are acetaminophen (an analgesic), chlorpheniramine (an antihistamine), dextromethorphan (a cough suppressant), and phenylephrine (a decongestant).
Some people might feel drowsy, dizzy, or have trouble sleeping after taking Alka-Seltzer Cold and Flu. Dry mouth is also a possible side effect. In rare cases, this medication can cause severe liver damage, especially if taken with other medications containing acetaminophen or with three or more alcoholic drinks per day.
