Suggest Dosage Of Alka-Seltzer For Headache

Posted on Wed, 11 May 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 11 May 2016 Answered on

Wed, 22 Jun 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Can I give 1/2 dose of XXXXXXX Seltzer plus night time to my 10 year old? He has a horrible head cold/runny nose and cannot sleep. It seems all meds say "under 12 years old - ask your doctor" but it doesn't seem like it would hurt him. He has no allergies to anything. Any help is appreciated.

Answered by Dr. Diptanshu Das (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Not recommended

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on Health care magic.

Alka-Seltzer is an effervescent antacid and pain reliever containing three active ingredients; aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) (ASA), sodium bicarbonate, and anhydrous citric acid. Aspirin is associated with a risk of Reye's syndrome in children. Reye’s syndrome usually occurs in children who have had a recent viral infection, such as chickenpox or the flu. So it might not be a good idea to give XXXXXXX Seltzer to your child.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar