What is alkaseltzer used for?

Answer 1

Alka-Seltzer is a name owned by the German Bayer Corporation for a line of medications sold over the counter and taken by means of rapidly dissolving tablets that form an effervescent solution in water.

The familiar fizzing you hear when you drop an Alka-Seltzer tablet into a glass of water is the result of a chemical reaction. It's also the perfect tool for demonstrating some very nifty science principles; things like the factors affecting the rates of chemical reactions, or the colors produced by a chemical reaction. The following are some science experiments appropriate for in-school or at-home use.

From wiki:
The Original Alka-Seltzer's inventation took place at 1931. [1] and is a remedy for back aches, diarrhea, leg cramps, and heartburn. Sodium bicarbonate in Alka-Seltzer also makes it effective in treating mild blood acidosis associated with allergy (see citation). Alka-Seltzer is a combination of aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid, C9H8O4), sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), and citric acid (C6H8O7), designed to treat pain and simultaneously neutralize excess stomach acid (the "Alka" being derived from the word "alkali"). It is provided in the form of large effervescent tablets, about 1 inch (25 mm) in diameter, which are dissolved (two at a time for the usual adult dosage) in a glass of water. As the tablets dissolve, the base (bicarbonate) and the acid (citric acid) react vigorously producing carbon dioxide gas (hence the "Seltzer"), which also produces enough agitation to allow the active ingredients to dissolve slowly. The patient then ingests the resulting solution.

The product has been extensively advertised since the beginning of the mass media era in the U.S. It was formerly marketed as something of a cure-all; at one time its ads even suggested taking it for "the blahs." Subsequent regulation has taken into consideration that aspirin is a relatively powerful drug which is not tolerated by everyone and should not generally be taken at all by children or adolescents due to its linkage to Reye's syndrome; the product is no longer marketed in this fashion.

At one time the product was available in both long glass tubes and foil packets; the latter is the primary way the product is provided today, with two tablets in each packet.

Answer 2

Alka-Seltzer is commonly used as an antacid to relieve heartburn, acid indigestion, and upset stomach. It works by neutralizing excess stomach acid. Additionally, some Alka-Seltzer products also contain aspirin, which can help relieve minor aches and pains.

Answer 3

Upset stomach primarily although they have a cold relief version