provider image
Welcome! You’re in GoodRx for healthcare professionals. Now, you’ll enjoy a streamlined experience created specifically for healthcare professionals.
Skip to main content
Aspirin / Chlorpheniramine / Phenylephrine Coupon - Aspirin / Chlorpheniramine / Phenylephrine 20 tablets of 325mg/2mg/7.8mg carton

aspirin / chlorpheniramine / phenylephrine

Generic Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold
Used for Nasal Congestion, Cold Symptoms, Fever
Used for Nasal Congestion, Cold Symptoms, Fever

Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold is an over-the-counter combination medication containing three ingredients: aspirin (an NSAID), chlorpheniramine (an antihistamine), and phenylephrine (a decongestant). It's used to temporarily relieve cold symptoms and lower fever. It can be used for people 12 years of age or older. Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold effervescent tablets are dissolved in water and taken by mouth every 4 hours. Side effects can include sleepiness, dizziness, and dry mouth.

Last reviewed on October 29, 2023
basics-icon

What is Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold?

What is Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold used for?

Short-term relief of fever and symptoms of common cold:

  • Nasal congestion

  • Sinus pressure and congestion

  • Sore throat

  • Runny nose

  • Sneezing

  • Minor aches and pains

  • Headache

How Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold works

Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold is a combination of three medications that work together to relieve symptoms of the common cold and fever.

  • Aspirin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It blocks proteins in your body that typically cause inflammation, pain, and fever. This helps relieve inflammation, pain, and fever.

  • Chlorpheniramine is an antihistamine. It blocks a natural substance in your body called histamine. This helps with runny or itchy nose, sneezing, and watery eyes.

  • Phenylephrine is a decongestant. It clears your sinuses by tightening the blood vessels in your nose.

When does Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold start working?
Time passed since treatment started:
MINUTES
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Initial effect
Full effect

Drug Facts

Drug ClassNSAID / Antihistamine / Decongestant
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityOver-the-counter
coupon-save-icon

Get your GoodRx coupon

Avg retail price
$00
GoodRx discount
$5.47
See prices
basics-icon

What are the side effects of Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Other Side Effects

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Allergic reactions: rash; hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Stomach bleed: feeling faint or dizzy, long-lasting stomach pain, coughing up or vomiting blood, bloody or dark-colored stools
  • Excessive sleepiness or dizziness
  • Ringing in the ears or loss of hearing
  • Taking too much (signs of an overdose): flushed skin, skin that's warm to the touch, vision changes, heart rhythm problems, fast breathing, ringing in the ears, confusion, seizures
When do Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
MINUTES
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Sleepiness
Dizziness
Dry mouth

Source: DailyMed

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold

thumbs-up

Pros

Combination of three medications in a single pill that helps with various cold symptoms at the same time

Dissolved in water so it's easier to take

Available over the counter

thumbs-down

Cons

Might have to take up to every 4 hours when you have symptoms

Shouldn't use long term without asking your provider

Not for children under 12 years of age

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold

pharmacist
  • Double check your medication label to make sure you have the right Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold product because there are several medications with the Alka-Seltzer brand name. They can contain different active ingredients and different directions.

    • You can take Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, try taking the medication with food.

      • Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold can make you sleepy or dizzy, which can affect your ability to focus, think, or react. Don't drive until you know how the medication affects you. To prevent daytime sleepiness, it might help to take the least amount of medication possible for your symptoms. Also, avoid alcohol because it can worsen sleepiness and dizziness.

        • While Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold might make adults sleepy, it's possible for children who use this medication to become overly excited or energetic. Speak to your child's provider if this happens.

          • Since Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold contains aspirin, you're at risk for stomach bleeds. Stop using the medication and get medical help right away if you feel faint, vomit blood, have bloody or black stools, or have stomach pain that doesn't get better. These might be symptoms of a stomach bleed.

            • Tell your provider if you notice a ringing in the ears or loss of hearing after you start using Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold. These are possible side effects of aspirin. You'll probably need to stop taking Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold. The ringing sound should go away and your hearing should return after you stop taking this medication.

              • Don't start any new medications while you're taking Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold, particularly other medications containing similar ingredients (e.g., NSAID, antihistamine, decongestant), without talking to your provider or pharmacist first. Doing so can raise your risk of overdose and severe side effects.

                • Each Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold tablet contains 467 mg of sodium (salt). Ask your provider whether Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold is right for you if you have heart problems (e.g., heart failure) or kidney problems. Typically, people with heart or kidney problems need to follow a low-sodium diet to prevent their conditions from getting worse.

                  • Stop using Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold and contact your provider if you have pain or nasal congestion that gets worse or lasts more than 1 week, or a fever that gets worse or lasts more than 3 days. You should also stop and call your provider if you have any redness, swelling, or any new symptoms that appear while you're taking the medication. These might be signs of a different or more serious medical condition that Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold might not be able to treat.

                    • Talk to your provider if your sore throat is severe; lasts for more than 2 days; or happens with a fever, headache, rash, nausea, or vomiting.

                      faqs

                      Frequently asked questions about Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold

                      How often do you take Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold?
                      Adults and children ages 12 years and older can take up to 2 tablets of Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold every 4 hours. But don't take more than 8 tablets in a 24-hour period. If your provider specifically recommended you to take Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold, it's possible they might give you different instructions than what's written on the manufacturer's box; follow your provider's directions in that case. Ask your provider or pharmacist if you're not sure how much Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold you can take and how often you should take the medication.
                      How do you take Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold?
                      Take out 2 tablets of Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold from the box and drop them in a cup with 4 ounces (one-half glass) of room temperature water. Let the tablets completely dissolve. Don't use cold water because it will make the tablets dissolve slower, and don't use warm water because it can cause a lot of foaming. After the tablets dissolve, drink the mixture right away. Don't prepare Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold ahead of time; prepare only when it's time for your dose. Also, don't use any liquids other than water to dissolve the tablets because they can affect how fast the medication can dissolve.
                      Can you take ibuprofen (Advil) with Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold?
                      No, don't take ibuprofen (Advil) with Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold because it already contains aspirin. Both ibuprofen (Advil) and aspirin are NSAIDs that work in similar ways and have similar side effects and risks. So taking more than one NSAID at the same time raises your risk for severe and life-threatening problems (e.g., heart risks, kidney problems). Consider using acetaminophen (Tylenol) if you need to use another over-the-counter pain reliever while you're taking Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold.
                      Can I take acetaminophen (Tylenol) with Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold?
                      Yes, it's generally safe to take acetaminophen (Tylenol) with Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold for pain relief. But acetaminophen (Tylenol) also has risks to consider that shouldn't be ignored (e.g., liver problems). Before using other pain relievers with Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold, speak with your healthcare provider to make sure it's safe for you to do so.
                      Can I take diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold together?
                      No, you shouldn't use diphenhydramine (Benadryl) with Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold because it already contains chlorpheniramine. Both diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and chlorpheniramine are antihistamines that work very similarly and have similar side effects and risks. So taking more than one antihistamine at the same time raises your risk for side effects without additional benefit. Mixing them together also raises your risk for an antihistamine overdose, which can be life-threatening. Ask your provider or pharmacist whether there are safer options if you need additional symptom relief from your cold.
                      Does Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold make you sleepy?
                      Yes, it's possible to feel sleepy after you take Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold because it contains chlorpheniramine, an antihistamine that can cause sleepiness. However, it also contains phenylephrine, which can have the opposite effect and make you stay awake. Pay attention to how Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold affects your sleep. Contact your provider to discuss better options for you if it's making you too sleepy or interrupting your sleep and affecting your daily activities.
                      Can I take Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold while pregnant?
                      Don't take Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold until you've talked to your provider first if you're pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant. Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold contains aspirin and phenylephrine, which are medications that might not be safe to take while pregnant. The FDA recommends avoiding aspirin doses of 325 mg or greater during pregnancy at 20 weeks or later because of the potential risk for serious harm to the unborn baby. Additionally, it isn't completely clear whether phenylephrine is safe to take during pregnancy. A study showed that this ingredient can raise the risk of birth defects and harm your unborn baby. But another study found that decongestants similar to phenylephrine didn't cause birth defects. Ask your provider whether there are safer options for you.
                      Can I take Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold while breastfeeding?
                      Talk with your provider if you're considering taking Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold while breastfeeding. This medication contains aspirin, which can get into breast milk. While children with viral infections should avoid aspirin because of the risk for Reye's syndrome, there haven't been any known reports of harm in infants breastfed by mothers who were taking aspirin. It's best to speak with your provider to see what their recommendations are. Your provider or pharmacist can guide you to safer options, if needed.
                      GoodRxEducationalIcon

                      How to save using GoodRx

                      Compare Prices
                      1. Compare PricesSpecify your dosage and quantity to find out exactly how much you can save.
                      Select your free coupon
                      2. Select your free couponYou can use the displayed coupon, or compare prices at other pharmacies near you.
                      Show coupon to your pharmacist
                      3. Show coupon to your pharmacistPresent your printed or electronic coupon when you pick up your prescription.
                      Get free couponLearn more
                      warings-icon

                      What are the risks and warnings for Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold?

                      Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                      risk-warning

                      Stomach bleeding and ulcers

                      • Risk factors: Age 60 years or older | History of stomach bleeding or ulcers | Taking other NSAIDs, blood thinners, or corticosteroids while also taking Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold | Drinking 3 or more alcoholic beverages per day | Taking Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold for a long time | Taking more Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold than instructed

                        Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold contains aspirin, which can irritate your stomach. This irritation can feel like stomach pain or heartburn. It can also lead to serious stomach problems, including bleeding and ulcers in this area. Stop using Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold and get medical attention right away if you have stomach pain that doesn't get better; vomit or cough up blood or bits that look like coffee grounds; or have bloody or black, tarry stools. These can be signs of stomach bleeding or a stomach ulcer that your provider can help manage and treat.

                        risk-warning

                        Kidney problems

                        • Risk factors: History of kidney or liver problems | History of heart failure | Taking Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold for a long time | Taking certain blood pressure medications (water pills, ACE inhibitors, or ARBs) | Low fluids in the body | Age 65 years and older

                          Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold contains aspirin, which can sometimes cause kidney damage at higher doses. This damage can happen at any time while you're taking the medication, especially if you have any of the risk factors listed above. Tell your provider if you're taking certain blood pressure medications that can harm your kidneys, such as ACE inhibitors (e.g., lisinopril (Zestril)) and ARBs (e.g., losartan (Cozaar)). Stop taking Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold and let your provider know if you're not urinating as often as usual or if you have muscle weakness, numbness in your arms or legs, or a fast heartbeat. These can be signs of kidney damage.

                          risk-warning

                          Reye's syndrome in children

                          • Risk factors: Children 18 years or younger recovering from chickenpox or flu-like symptoms

                            Aspirin use in children is linked to a rare, but serious and life-threatening condition called Reye's syndrome. It typically occurs when children who are recovering from flu-like symptoms or other viruses take medications containing aspirin. Early symptoms of Reye's syndrome include vomiting, headache, confusion, and distress. But if left untreated, it can lead to seizures and loss of consciousness. Get medical help as soon as possible if any of these symptoms happen.

                            To lower the risk for Reye's syndrome, don't give Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold to a child who has a fever due to the flu or who is recovering from chickenpox. Ask a provider for medication recommendations for children who are sick.

                            risk-warning

                            Accidentally taking too much (overdose)

                            Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold contains an NSAID (aspirin), antihistamine (chlorpheniramine), and a decongestant (phenylephrine), which are medications that can be found in other over-the-counter products. Using more than one medication containing an NSAID, chlorpheniramine (or other antihistamine), or a decongestant can lead to an accidental overdose and serious side effects. These serious side effects can potentially include kidney failure, seizures, hallucinations (seeing things that aren't real), or even death.

                            To prevent an accidental overdose, read package labels carefully. Ask your pharmacist if you're not sure whether a product has any similar ingredients. Get medical help as soon as possible or contact a poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 if you or your loved one has an accidental overdose.

                            risk-warning

                            Allergic reactions

                            • Risk factors: NSAID allergy

                              Severe allergic reactions to Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold are possible, including anaphylaxis (closing of the throat). Let your provider know if you have an allergy to aspirin or other NSAIDs before you start taking Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold. Call 911 if you have hives; trouble breathing; or swelling of your face, lips, or tongue.

                              risk-warning

                              Worsening of certain medical conditions

                              • Risk factors: History of stomach bleeding or stomach problems (e.g, heartburn) | Liver or kidney problems | Heart disease or high blood pressure | Thyroid disease | High blood sugar (diabetes) | Glaucoma | Breathing problems (e.g., asthma, emphysema, long-term bronchitis) | Urinary conditions

                                Ask your provider whether it's safe for you to take Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold if you have any of the risk factors listed above. Taking Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold can potentially worsen your condition(s) and cause serious side effects. Make sure your provider knows about all medical conditions you have or have had in the past before you start taking Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold.

                                risk-warning

                                Caution use in people with phenylketonuria (PKU)

                                Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold contains phenylalanine, a component of the artificial sweetener aspartame. If you have a genetic condition called phenylketonuria (PKU), taking this medication can be dangerous for you. Let your providers know if you have PKU so they can recommend a different formulation or medication that might be safer for you.

                                dosage

                                Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold dosage forms

                                The average cost for 1 carton of 20 tablets of 325mg/2mg/7.8mg of Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold is $5.47 with a free GoodRx coupon.0
                                carton
                                Carton
                                DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                                20 tablets of 325mg/2mg/7.8mg1 carton$5.47$5.47

                                Typical dosing for Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold

                                Each effervescent tablet contains 325 mg of aspirin, 2 mg of chlorpheniramine, and 7.8 mg of phenylephrine.

                                • Ages 12 years and older: Dissolve 2 tablets in 4 ounces (one-half cup) of water, and drink the mixture. Repeat every 4 hours. Don't use more than 8 tablets in a 24-hour period or as instructed by your provider.

                                • Ages under 12 years old: Ask your child's provider.

                                drug-cost

                                How much does Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold cost?

                                To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
                                Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold (generic)
                                View prices & coupons
                                contraindications-icon

                                Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold contraindications

                                Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold will not be safe for you to take.
                                • Severe allergy to aspirin or any other pain reliever/fever medication

                                • Children younger than 12 years old

                                • Currently take or have taken an MAOI in the last 2 weeks

                                alternatives

                                What are alternatives to Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold?

                                There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                                Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold
                                Used for:

                                Short-term relief of fever and symptoms of common cold:

                                • Nasal congestion

                                • Sinus pressure and congestion

                                • Sore throat

                                • Runny nose

                                • Sneezing

                                • Minor aches and pains

                                • Headache

                                $5.47 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                                Used for:
                                • Stuffy nose (nasal congestion)

                                • Runny nose

                                • Sneezing

                                • Sore throat

                                • Itchy or watery eyes

                                • Itching of the nose or throat

                                • Sinus congestion and pressure

                                • Minor aches, pains, or headache

                                • Fever

                                $19.17 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                                Used for:
                                • Short-term relief of symptoms from allergies and the common cold: runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, itchy nose or throat, sneezing, nasal congestion, sinus pressure, headache, minor aches and pains, fever

                                • Lowers swelling in the sinuses around the nose

                                • Restores breathing through the nose

                                $10.90 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices

                                Get savings updates for Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold

                                Receive price alerts, news, and other messages from GoodRx about Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold and other healthcare topics and relevant savings offers.

                                By signing up, I agree to GoodRx's Terms and Privacy Policy, and to receive marketing messages from GoodRx.

                                References

                                Best studies we found

                                Arif, H., et al. (2023). Salicylic acid (aspirin). StatPearls.

                                Aronoff, D. M., et al. (2001). Antipyretics: mechanisms of action and clinical use in fever suppression. The American Journal of Medicine.

                                Bayer, Inc. (n.d.). Facts and FAQ.

                                View All References (12)

                                Bayer, Inc. (n.d.). Find the Alka-Seltzer® product that’s right for you.

                                Bayer, Inc. (n.d.). Frequently asked questions.

                                Borowy, C. S., et al. (2023). Antihistamine toxicity. StatPearls.

                                Chapman, J., et al. (2023). Reye syndrome. StatPearls.

                                Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®). (2021). Aspirin. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.

                                Johnson, D. A., et al. (1993). The pharmacology of alpha-adrenergic decongestants. Pharmacotherapy.

                                Källén, B. A. J., et al. (2006). Use of oral decongestants during pregnancy and delivery outcome. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

                                Lil' Drug Store Products, Inc. (2022). Alka-Seltzer Plus- aspirin, chlorpheniramine maleate, and phenylephrine bitartrate tablet, effervescent [package insert]. DailyMed.

                                National Human Genome Research Institute. (2014). About phenylketonuria.

                                National Kidney Foundation. (n.d.). Pain medicines (analgesics).

                                Richards, E., et al. (2023). Phenylephrine. StatPearls.

                                U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2020). Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Drug Safety Communication - Avoid use of NSAIDs in pregnancy at 20 weeks or later.

                                GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
                                Was this page helpful?

                                Browse medications

                                View All

                                Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.