Alka-Seltzer is an effervescent antacid and pain reliever first marketed by the Dr. Miles Medicine Company. It was developed by Treneer in Elkhart Indiana. Alka-Seltzer is marketed for relief of minor aches, pains, inflammation, fever, headache, heartburn, sour stomach, indigestion, and hangovers, while neutralizing excess stomach acid. It was launched in 1931. A spin-off of Alka-Seltzer made to relieve colds and flu, Alka-Seltzer Plus, was later introduced.
Alka-Seltzer is currently owned by Bayer Schering Pharma AG, Germany. The name "Alka-Seltzer" has been extended to incorporate an entire line of medications sold over the counter and taken by means of rapidly dissolving tablets that form a carbonated solution in water.
Alka-Seltzer are in foil packets, each containing two tablets. Prior to 1984, it was also available stacked in glass tubes. It comes in various flavors.
Alka-Seltzer Gold is a combination of sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, and anhydrous citric acid, used for the relief of heartburn, acid indigestion, and stomach aches. Unlike original blue Alka-Seltzer, Alka-Seltzer Gold does not contain aspirin or any other pain reliever.