Questions about Alka Seltzer
 

I'd appreciate any details on the effects and risks of daily Alka Seltzer. There was a reference in another thread about MrsD's posting on Alka Seltzer. I can't find such a posting with the search engine, but vaguely remember it from the BrainTalk forum. Unfortunately, all the details are gone from my memory. I hope daily aspirin helps memory. :rolleyes:

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Each Alka Seltzer tablet contains 325 mg. of aspirin.

Is it safe to take 650 mg. of aspirin every day? Three times a week?

How high is the risk of GI track bleeding with Alka Seltzer?

If bleeding occurs as a result of daily aspirin intake, is it more likely to be mild and transitory, or massive and continuing?

Is GI bleeding from aspirin dose dependent? Is GI bleeding dependent on duration of usage?

I've been taking 80 mg. of aspirin daily for blood lipid control and for prostate health and cancer protection (see http://search.lef.org/cgi-src-bin/Ms...S%20aspirin%20 and page 2 of http://www.lef.org/magazine/mag2007/...rostate_01.htm ).

Is it correct to assume that one should not take the 80 mg. of aspirin on days one takes two Alka Seltzers, and visa versa?

Hi David
 

I don't know Alka Seltzer, but Mrs. D answered a bit of the question on the "neuropathy & weather" post. She said that your probably better off not taking the 80mg aspirin tablet if you take the Alka Seltzer.

My GI doc told me that people with GI problems like ulcers should avoid aspirin. Also if you have general stomach problems or a propensity towards them, daily aspirin can make things worse.

On it's own 80mg seems like a low dose, and if you have not had any GI problems, than why not? My mum swares by aspirin for everything. She also takes a low dose tablet before bed. She has had her thyroid gland completely removed and had a bit of a cholesterol problem that she diffused with aspirin therapy.

more..
 

Hello, David... Did you not see the other thread? If you have serious concerns about the aspirin, you can try AlkaSeltzer Gold. (no aspirin in it).
The other alkaline buffer available is TriSalts
http://www.bio-tech-pharm.com/products/trisalts.html (the powder is stonger).

Aspirin in solution like AlkaSeltzer is absorbed very quickly from the stomach..it does not linger around to cause bleeds, like tablets do.

Aspirin taken systemically does reduce platelet activity to some extent. So systemically it would be additive with other drugs that thin the blood or affect platelets: SSRI antidepressants, Plavix, Pletal, warfarin,
Here is a fuller list of drug interactions, pro and con:
from http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/asa_ad.htm

The thread to which I am referring was on OBT chronic pain...
http://brain.hastypastry.net/forums/...ead.php?t=8553
and
http://brain.hastypastry.net/forums/...ead.php?t=8265

AlkaSeltzer will also block histamine reactions, from foods.
On both of those threads is a link to pain.org about acidic reactions at the
tissue level at nerve endings.

If you have some issue with the aspirin, you can ask your doctor. Aspirin prophylaxsis for CAD is either 81mg /day or 325mg/day depending on the doctor. Combined with other medications, is the most important thing to
consider. However, aspirin remains a treatment for many inflammatory conditions today, and even is basic to RA treatments, still today.

Aspirin affects lipid peroxidases, but does not control lipid levels to the best of my knowledge. These are different things.

If one already has erosions in the stomach (AlkaSeltzer would not reach the small intestine in appreciable amounts like tablets would) then bleeding could occur. To intact mucosa? Not much risk. People who have constant GI issues like GERD, typically have poor mucosal lining, due to long term EFA depletion, or infections with H.pylori. These patients would do better with TriSalts or AlkaSeltzer Gold.

Here is an article about tablet form of aspirin in the 81mg-325mg dose range:
http://gastroenterology.jwatch.org/c...ull/2003/128/1

Here is an old paper illustrating the difference between acidic solutions, and basic ones:
http://www.springerlink.com/content/v844n8771p26g082/
and this from Rxlist.com
http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/asa_ad.htm

AlkaSeltzer is just not like taking aspirin TABLETS in any form. It does not stay in the stomach long enough to irritate it.

Here is another paper...
http://jada.ada.org/cgi/content/abstract/93/1/111

I will add that some researchers do not trust enteric coating at all. It breaks down in the intestine, and a bleed can occur there, just as easily as in the stomach if the concentrated tablet does not dilute out quickly.

When you take any aspirin product, or NSAID (Feldene and Indocin are the worst, but any can do it)...a bleed can occur where there is an erosion, inflammation of the GI mucosa due to any reason. Most the GI bleeding from NSAIDs (and some of the aspirin) is due to SYSTEMIC suppression of platelets, that the drugs cause. This has a time factor... and does not occur at the
very beginning of therapies.

You can get a bleed from that 81mg tablet of aspirin as well, enteric coated or not.

So if you are concerned then, I'd go for the AlkaSeltzer Gold or TriSalts to get the acidic buffering benefit. I like the aspirin because I have pain anyway.
And even with my GI issues and hiatal hernia I have never had a bleed or incident. I also let the bubbles go flat before drinking...to minimize reflux or burping.

This is some detail... and I hope it answers your questions. Any further, just post them here. Remember there are NO guarantees with ANY drug therapy on the planet.

High David:) ,

I noticed an increase in bleeding from cuts on 80mg/day. My cardiologist said "Oh yes, an increase in "cut time" occurs. When I was in the hospital they accidently increased my aspirin to 325mg/day and I didn't catch it. After I got out, a minor cut bled like a major injury and I ended up getting "glued" in ER. So I don't think you should overdo the aspiriri.

yes, JD
 

that is the anti-platelet action. That is the target for using the aspirin in the
first place to prevent blood clots in the brain or coronary arteries.

Some people normally have LOW platelets, and a test can be run to
identify them. If you are normally low, then aspirin may not be needed at
all. Aspirin + low platelets would give an elongated bleed time as well.

Thank you all.
 

With aspirin + vitamin E + fish oil I do tend to bleed, but not enough to be a problem except at the dentist. It can make it harder for him to get a clean, dry work field.

I'll continue the daily 80 mg. regimin, and get some Alka Seltzer Gold for daily use. Regular Alka Seltzer works better for me than even Napraxin Sodium for muscle and joint aches and PN pain, so I'll still use it as needed at night.

You can raise your pH with diet: http://www.reynoldsoffice.com/ph.htm.

Thanks again.

Ok, I feel like I am lost in space here. Please explain to me why you are using the Alka-Seltzer in the first place. I want to understand. Mrs. D, are you saying it could help we celiac's with digestion? Sorry if I am in duhs-ville, I am not understanding this.

Thanks!

Hi--

If you knew you were going to take Alka Seltzer, I'd think there's no need to take your daily mini-dose of aspirin. If you take a lot of Alka Seltzer, I'd suggest taking your daily aspirin at night, then you know if you've had an alka seltzer day already!

Darlindeb...
 

It is for burning pain mostly.

I discovered this by accident, several years ago. If you read the two
links from OBT above, I give the history.

I use AlkaSeltzer more in the summer, when I have burning in my feet at
night.

I've been researching it some, and connecting the dots as far as
food allergies go. Environmental allergy doctors use TriSalts to abort
challenges when elimination diets are done. If a positive occurs in the office
or at home, TriSalts are given for accidents/slips.

But I found that AlkaSeltzer really helps with burning in particular.
I just found that pain.org paper...on acid/pain. So I find that also connects...to the burst of bicarb you get with the AlkaSeltzer.
It is not really the aspirin per se, but the rest that seems to provide the relief.
The aspirin works on the pain of course, but is not essential to the burning.

AlkaSeltzer was really really useful when I was using metformin..which causes
a metabolic acidosis in some people. I would stop the diarrhea symptoms in
minutes for me!

Alka Seltzer is a powerful pain killer. The active pain relieving ingredient is aspirin. Aspirin works similar to and through the same biochemical mechanisms as Ibuprofen (Motrin, Excedrin, or Advil) and Naproxen Sodium (Aleve). With two Alka Seltzer tablets, you get the full adult dose of aspirin, pre-dissolved for very quick absorption, and buffered to reduce stress to the stomach and/or intestine. Two Alka Seltzers works better for me than even Vicodin to reduce or eliminate PN pain, muscle and joint aches, or headaches (rare for me) so that I can fall asleep. Secondly, most of us are too acid for optimal health and nerve function. The buffers in Alka Seltzer help make us very slightly less acid and more basic.

There are several downsides to aspirin and Alka Seltzer. 1) The action of any anti-inflammatory analgesic slows down or stops long term cartilage repair even though it reduces inflammation. You really shouldn’t take these analgesics all day and every day. 2) All of the anti-inflammatory analgesics interfere with platelet action, making wounds bleed a lot and a long time. 3) All drugs are hard on the liver. 4) Aspirin and other anti-inflammatory analgesics can cause serious stomach or intestinal bleeding. According to MrsD (and she is very knowledgeable), Alka Seltzer doesn't stress the stomach or intestine because of the quick absorption and the buffering. 5) The pain relieving action of Alka Seltzer, while powerful, is relatively short lived. It's fine for helping reduce pain and relaxing you so that you can fall asleep, but only lasts a few hours. That's compared to Aleve which lasts 12 hours.

Who isn't lost in space? Anybody who thinks they aren't is delusional, i.e. they're lost in space. Anybody who knows they are lost in space but acts like they're not is faking it. Fakes don't know who they are or what's important in life (integrity), i.e. they're lost in space. :wink:

You might feel like you're lost in space, but not quite getting the full context of a discussion you join that's been going on for years is not being lost in space. All it takes is one question and a lucid answer (which I may or may not have provided) to make the context clear.

P.S. I don't think Alka Seltzer will help people with celiac disease. It just wouldn't be as devastating to your poor irritated GI track as other analgesics would. On the other had, it may be something you could safely take for short term pain relief. It would be worth exploring on the celiac board. http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/fo...sprune=-1&f=13

I wouldn't have a clue if Disprin is the same as Asprin, but in the past a mixture of disolved disprins & sorbelene cream mixed together to a thick paste and applied to when my feet when they were burning did definatly help the burning, it doesn't take it away all together, but i found it helped me.

AlkaSeltzer & urine ph
 

Hello all,
I replaced my morning coffee with the original AlkaSeltzer 8 days ago and it has raised my am urine ph from 5-5.5 to 6-6.5 and afternoon and bedtime readings to 6.5-7.0. It also reduced the burning in my feet and bladder. The feet still have the feeling of tightness, but over all I am feeling better especially in the afternoon and evenings. I use the Bayer test strips which test for glucose, billirubin, ketone, sg, blood, ph, protein, urobillnogen, nitrite and leukocytes. Thanks to mrsD for mentioning AlkaSelter in another post about acidity and burning pain. I still have a good deal of reading concerning body ph. One thing learned thus far we are what we eat and drink

May I ask..
 

Is Alka Selzer only aspirin, or are their any other magic ingredients in it. I went to the chemist today and found effervescent aspirin tablets,but they didn't seem to contain much else.

Thank you-

Thank you both for your replies. I just keep researching.;)

Dont worry Deb, you arent the only one who gets lost in space. in fact if you find your way out transmit the coordinates to me. Stay warm. Im going to get some alka seltzer and try it next time i have extra pain.

some links...
 

Original formula AlkaSeltzer contains:

Active Ingredients: per tablet: Aspirin (325 mg), Sodium Bicarbonate (1916 mg), Citric Acid (1000 mg)

AlkaSeltzer Gold (without aspirin) contains:

Active Ingredients: Each tablet contains:: Sodium Bicarbonate (958 mg (Heat Treated)), Citric Acid (832mg), Potassium Bicarbonate (312 mg)

There are many many other formulas:
Including this new Morning Relief:

Active Ingredients: Aspirin (500mg) (Analgesic), Caffeine (65mg) (Alertness Aid/ Pain Reliever Aid)
Inactive Ingredients: Acesulfame Postassium, Aspartame, Citric Acid, Dimethicone, Dimethylpolysiloxane Powder, Docusate Sodium, Flavor, Mannitol, Povidone, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Bicarbonate

Maximum strength formula:
Active Ingredients: (in each tablet): Aspirin 500 mg (Analgesic), Citric Acid 1000 mg (Antactid), Sodium Bicarbonate (heat-treated) 1985mg (Antacid)

Two of the max strength= 1000mg of aspirin


The quantities of the buffers are not given for every product. Morning Relief is similar to
The original Anacin (the one with aspirin) and contains caffeine. This product is higher in aspirin also.

There are cold formulas, and heartburn ones:
http://www.drugstore.com/search/sear...o.x=12&Go.y=16

There are new ones even that have the "name" AlkaSeltzer but are NOT
effervescent (they are syrups).

I think the citrate and bicarb are as important or more so than the aspirin,
for relieving BURNING pain. The delivery system of effervescence is also
important. Taking soda mint TABLETS, will not give the same response.
I believe that the SPEED of absorption, floods the body temporarily and
gets to the tissues to buffer the acid at the nerve endings. Taking tablets,
slows absorption, and when the buffers do get absorbed they are less in
concentration and diluted out quickly by the body's own buffer systems.
Hence it is the FIZZ that counts.

Also remember some drugs can cause acidosis:
metformin (Glucophage, Fortamet)
Topamax
untreated or poorly controlled diabetes
poisons, like antifreeze, methanol
And excessive aspirin consumption as in high dose 24/7
very high dose Vit C intake
lung disorders like COPD
acetazolamide (diuretic for CNS edema or altitude sickness)

People with undiagnosed mitochondrial disorders (not common)
make more lactic acid during the energy phases in the mitochondria.
This lactic acid causes muscle pain/burning. If you suspect this, have poor
exercise tolerance etc, using l-carnitine can help. This boosts the
metabolism of fatty acids for energy instead of glucose, so lactic acid is less.

Another aspirin/Alka Seltzer side effect
 

Tinnitus. After three days of daily Alka Seltzer, I remember why I stopped taking daily Alka Seltzer. One way I react to daily use of NSAIDs (Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs) such as aspirin, ibuprophen, or naproxen sodium is irritating, maddening tinnitus. Hopefully, it will stop in a few days.

.

.

Huh? What did you say?

So Joe, twns do think alike huh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:wink:

bumping up:
 

The links I gave early on in this thread are no longer active.

And I was searching for the link to pain and acid connections, anyway, and found it:

http://www.painonline.org/acid.htm

Try DGL licorice from the vitamin shoppe or online. Here is a link explaining:
http://acid-reflux-diet-help.blogspo...ux-relief.html


Also drink Aloe Vera juice. Can get at vitamin shoppe or online.
http://www.ehow.com/how_2119540_use-...reat-acid.html


And Slippery Elm will coat the stomach and esophagus and allow releif. Can also get at vitamin shoppe or online.
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/s...elm-000274.htm

This thread is about pain receptors and pain relief...

Not about antacid actions on the stomach.

It is about using AlkaSeltzer for its systemic properties for some people.

Keep in mind, AlkaSeltzer has aspirin in it. So those with problems with aspirin, can try AlkaSeltzer Gold, or TriSalts which both do not have aspirin in them.
TriSalts are sometimes used by environmental physicians to treat allergic reactions. The histamine receptor seems to be blocked by basic bicarb... temporarily.

While AlkaSeltzer is less irritating to the stomach lining, it is still working the the blood as an NSAID and anti-inflammatory.

When I use AlkaSeltzer original formula, it is typically at night when I have burning. I DO NOT use it all day long, or even everyday.
If you use it every day, do so with your doctor's approval.

Please read the pain link I gave today above, on pain receptors and acid.

But when you get down to it, on one hand there is an action where acid is burning nerves. I have noticed that my neuropathy is in full gear when my reflux is on high......or after a day or 2's bout. Even more so when my I have twisted my body in some direction or done some new activity that feels as if I have opened up the damaged(nerve) area to stomach acid. Meaning if you have persistent reflux and are keeping your stomach insulated with the herbs I mentioned, you should not have this problem as much and should not have to use drugs which make it worse.

Not saying Alka Seltzer is terrible, but those approaches I listed above are very popular natural approaches for acid reflux. Acid Reflux seem to be good friends with Neuropathy. First the burn in your stomach and then in your nerves. Anybody notice reflux/neuropathy worse in the summer? Ergo the connection. Enjoy!

I am sorry I don't agree....

AlkaSeltzer is not a good choice for reflux. Never was, never will be.

I fixed my GERD, over 12 yrs ago, using essential fatty acids...
ONLY. I had a terrible X-ray showing a severe hiatal hernia, which I still have, refluxing right there at the test (which my doctor says happens less than 10% of the time).
I was born with a rare defect in the GI tract that causes it to be twisted into a unnatural rotation. It is not fixable at yet, and maybe never.

My reflux is gone, and I don't use antacids or drugs for it anymore. I fixed it in 3months.
In fact this result was what sent me on the path I now take.
I also fixed my son's ADHD with the same result.

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/showthread.php?t=6092

This is simple, really.
Also much of GERD, reflux, is mechanical, and due to gas.
Gas pushes stomach contents up, when you lie down. So some dietary modification, avoidance of acid reducing drugs, like PPIs and H2 receptor antagonists, can help with this issue too. That is because when stomach acid is neutralized or blocked, you cannot break down protein in food, and that ferments in the GI tract and comes back up as gas to reflux you.

The burning in my feet is totally independent of any heartburn. While poor EFA status may contribute to nerve's burning in the body, and also to GERD... GERD does not cause PN (except for blocking B12 with anti-GERD drugs long term.)

I think the combination of Lexapro, Finasteride, Xanax and Prevacid really did me in. The Finasteride weakened my adrenals and and hurt my body's ability to repair itself. The Prevacid stripped me of B-12 which is essential for gut health. The other drugs took away my ability to feel the pain and mind health cues. That is when the nerves starting burning.