Important: This page is general information, not medical advice. It does not recommend or prescribe any treatment. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping or changing any medicine.
Note on this source. The FDA label used for this page covers a combination product listed as Anhydrous Citric Acid, Aspirin. The information below therefore describes that product, not Anhydrous Citric Acid on its own. Check the label of the specific product you have.
Quick facts
- Drug class
- Central Nervous System Stimulant [EPC], Methylxanthine [EPC], Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug [EPC], Platelet Aggregation Inhibitor [EPC]
- How it is given
- oral
- Type
- human otc drug
- Brand names
- Alka-Seltzer Extra Strength Pain Relief
- RxNorm ID
- 1536815
We do not publish dosing. How much of this medicine to take, how often, and for how long depends on your age, weight, kidney and liver function, other conditions and other medicines. That is a decision for the person who prescribes or dispenses it. Follow the directions on your own pack and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.
What it is for
Pain reliever Alertness aid/pain reliever aid
What it is used to treat
Uses Uses for temporary relief of headaches, body aches, and pain alone for the temporary relief of minor aches and pains associated with a hangover helps restore mental alertness or wakefulness when experiencing fatigue or drowsiness associated with a hangover
Do not use if
Do not use if you are allergic to aspirin or any other pain reliever/fever reducer if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this product or any of its ingredients
Warnings
Warnings Warnings Reye’s syndrome: Children and teenagers who have or are recovering from chicken pox or flu-like symptoms should not use this product. When using this product, if changes in behavior with nausea and vomiting occur, consult a doctor because these symptoms could be an early sign of Reye’s syndrome, a rare but serious illness. Allergy alert: Aspirin may cause a severe allergic reaction which may include: ● hives ● facial swelling ● asthma (wheezing) ● shock Stomach bleeding warning: This product contains an NSAID, which may cause severe stomach bleeding. The chance is higher if you: ● are age 60 or older ● have had stomach ulcers or bleeding problems ● take a blood thinning (anticoagulant) or steroid drug ● take other drugs containing prescription or nonprescription NSAIDs (aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or others) ● have 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day while using this product ● take more or for a longer time than directed Caffeine warning : The recommended dose of this product contains about as much caffeine as a cup of coffee. Limit the use of caffeine- containing medications, foods, or beverages while taking this product because too much caffeine may cause nervousness, irritability, sleeplessness, and, occasionally, rapid heart beat. ● For occasional use only. Do not use for more than 2 days for a hangover unless directed by a doctor. Not intended for use as a substitute for sleep. If fatigue or drowsiness persists or continues to recur, consult a doctor. Reye's syndrome Children and teenagers who have or are recovering from chicken pox or flu-like symptoms should not use this product. When using this product, if changes in behavior with nausea and vomiting occur, consult a doctor because these symptoms could be an early sign of Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious illness. Allergy alert Aspirin may cause a severe allergic reaction which may include: ● hives ● facial swelling ● asthma (wheezing) ● shock Stomach bleeding warning This product contains an NSAID, which may cause severe stomach bleeding. […]
Ask a doctor before use if
Ask a doctor before use if stomach bleeding warning applies to you you have a history of stomach problems, such as heartburn you have high blood pressure, heart disease, liver cirrhosis, or kidney disease you are taking a diuretic you have asthma you have a sodium-restricted diet
Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if
Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if you are taking a prescription drug for ● diabetes ● gout ● arthritis
Stop use and see a doctor if
Stop use and ask a doctor if an allergic reaction occurs. Seek medical help right away. you experience any of the following signs of stomach bleeding: feel faint vomit blood have bloody or black stools have stomach pain that does not get better pain lasts for more than 10 days or gets worse redness or swelling is present ringing in the ears or a loss of hearing occurs new symptoms occur
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use. It is especially important not to use aspirin at 20 weeks or later in pregnancy unless definitely directed to do so by a doctor because it may cause problems in the unborn child or complications during delivery.
Storing it safely
Other information ● each tablet contains: potassium 115 mg ● each tablet contains: sodium 371 mg ● Phenylketonurics: Contains Phenylalanine 5.4 mg per tablet ● store at room temperature. Avoid excessive heat and humidity.
Keeping it away from children
Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.
Active ingredient
Active Ingredients (in each tablet) Aspirin 500 mg (NSAID)* Caffeine 65 mg *nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug Pain reliever Alertness aid/pain reliever aid
Other ingredients
Inactive ingredients anhydrous citric acid, aspartame, dimethicone, docusate sodium, FD&C red No. 40, FD&C yellow No. 6, flavor, mannitol, potassium bicarbonate, povidone, sodium benzoate, sodium bicarbonate, sucralose
Before you take anything new
Tell your pharmacist or doctor about every medicine you take — including ones bought without a prescription, herbal products and supplements. Interactions are one of the most common avoidable causes of harm from medicines, and a pharmacist can check your full list in a couple of minutes.
This page is built from the openFDA record of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's approved labelling for this product, effective 5 February 2026. Label text has been shortened and reformatted for readability; safety wording has not been altered in meaning. FDA labelling describes products approved in the United States — brand names, strengths, formulations and approved uses may differ in your country. Always read the leaflet that comes with your own pack. PocketsInfo is not affiliated with, and is not endorsed by, the FDA. Retrieved 2026-07-30.