Alka-Seltzer is an effervescent antacid and pain reliever that has been around for over 80 years. It is commonly used to treat heartburn, upset stomach, acid indigestion, and headaches. The active ingredients in Alka-Seltzer include aspirin, sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), and citric acid. These ingredients can lose potency and degrade over time, so Alka-Seltzer has an expiration date stamped on the package to indicate when it should no longer be used.
Quick answer
Alka-Seltzer is generally still effective and safe to use for 1 to 2 years past the expiration date printed on the package. Over time, the aspirin may become less effective as a pain reliever and the sodium bicarbonate may lose some of its antacid properties. However, the citric acid will maintain its acid neutralizing abilities. As long as the tablet is still fully fizzing and dissolving in water, it should still provide heartburn and indigestion relief for some time after expiration.
How expiration dates work
The expiration date printed on over-the-counter medications like Alka-Seltzer is determined by stability testing conducted by the manufacturer. Samples of the product are stored under controlled conditions reflecting typical storage environments. At set intervals over time, the samples are tested to ensure the product still meets quality standards for safety, effectiveness, and chemical composition.
The expiration date is set based on the earliest time point at which the product fails to meet specifications. So the expiration date doesn’t indicate when the product will become unsafe or ineffective, but rather the end of the timeframe in which the manufacturer can guarantee full potency and stability.
For Alka-Seltzer, the active ingredients of aspirin, sodium bicarbonate, and citric acid are chemically stable compounds. So the product may start to lose some effectiveness past the expiration date, but never become truly unsafe or dangerous to ingest when stored properly.
Does Alka-Seltzer expire?
Yes, Alka-Seltzer does expire and has an expiration date printed on the package. However, expiration dates are very conservative to guarantee full potency. Many medications remain safe and effective well past the expiration date.
The citric acid in Alka-Seltzer is extremely stable and does not really degrade over time. So even expired Alka-Seltzer should continue to provide its acid neutralizing capabilities.
The aspirin and sodium bicarbonate are more vulnerable to degradation. Over time past the expiration date, the aspirin may become somewhat less effective as a pain reliever. The sodium bicarbonate could lose some of its antacid properties as the chemicals break down.
However, as long as the Alka-Seltzer tablet fully dissolves and fizzes in water, it should still be safe and provide some effectiveness for heartburn, indigestion, and headaches. The ingredients don’t spoil or become toxic.
How to tell if Alka-Seltzer is expired
To evaluate if an expired package of Alka-Seltzer is still good, examine the package and tablets:
- Check the expiration date stamped on the foil packet or box
- Inspect the packaging for any damage like tears or holes
- Make sure the package is still well sealed and tablets have not been exposed to moisture
- Check that the tablets look normal and aren’t crumbling, cracked, or powdery
- Drop one Alka-Seltzer tablet into water and observe the fizzing action. It should fully dissolve without leaving gritty residue behind.
If the packaging is still intact and the tablets fizz normally, the Alka-Seltzer is likely still good for use for some time past expiration. It may start to lose effectiveness sooner than normal, but should still help provide relief.
How long past expiration date can you take Alka-Seltzer?
Here are some general guidelines for how long after the printed expiration date Alka-Seltzer may still be used:
1-2 years past expiration
For 1-2 years past the expiration date, Alka-Seltzer tablets should still be fully effective if the product was stored properly. The aspirin, sodium bicarbonate, and citric acid should still be chemically stable at close to full potency. Fizzing action in water should be normal.
2-3 years past expiration
At 2-3 years past expiration, the Alka-Seltzer will be beyond any guarantees from the manufacturer. However, as long as the tablets are still fizzy when dissolved, they should still offer heartburn and indigestion relief, but may start to lose some strength as an analgesic. Effectiveness could be noticeably decreased.
3-5 years past expiration
Once Alka-Seltzer is around 3-5 years past expiration date, effectiveness becomes more unpredictable. The ingredients are likely degrading and losing strength. The tablets may fizz slowly or leave some gritty residue when dissolved. At this point, it may provide minimal relief for heartburn or pain.
Proper storage of Alka-Seltzer
To get the longest shelf life and duration of effectiveness from your Alka-Seltzer, be sure to store it properly:
- Keep tablets sealed in the original packet or container
- Store in a cool, dry place away from excess heat or moisture
- Avoid storing in the bathroom medicine cabinet, which can get steamy and humid
- Keep the packaging tightly closed
- Don’t transfer tablets to other containers, which could expose them to moisture
With proper storage, unopened Alka-Seltzer packets have an advertised shelf life of 4 years. Once opened, the packets should be used within 6 months.
Signs Alka-Seltzer has gone bad
If your Alka-Seltzer is very old or has been improperly stored, watch for these signs that it may have gone bad and should no longer be used:
- The expiration date passed more than 5 years ago
- The packaging has damage like tears, holes, or is not well sealed
- The tablets are broken, crumbling, discolored, or powdery
- The tablets fizz slowly or leave gritty residue in water
- The tablets have a vinegar smell, which indicates decomposition
- The pain relief or antacid effects seem weak or nonexistent
Alka-Seltzer that displays any of those signs has likely degraded too much to be effective and should be discarded.
Does Alka-Seltzer need to be refrigerated?
Alka-Seltzer does not need to be refrigerated either before or after opening. The manufacturer recommends simply storing it in a cool, dry location away from direct light and heat. So the medicine cabinet, pantry, or any cupboard works fine. There is no need to refrigerate Alka-Seltzer.
In fact, refrigerating Alka-Seltzer could actually decrease its shelf life due to the temperature fluctuations and moisture introduced every time the refrigerator is opened and closed. Storing it in a consistently cool, dry place is best.
Risks of taking expired Alka-Seltzer
While Alka-Seltzer is generally safe to take for some time after its expiration date, there are some risks to be aware of with taking expired medication:
- Reduced effectiveness: Outdated Alka-Seltzer may not provide its expected pain relief and antacid properties.
- Upset stomach: As ingredients like aspirin degrade, they can become more irritating to the digestive tract.
- Bad taste: Expired Alka-Seltzer tablets tend to taste bitter when dissolved.
- Allergic reaction: Over time, the chemical structure of ingredients can change and potentially cause new allergies.
To avoid issues, it’s best to discard Alka-Seltzer if it’s more than 3-5 years past expiration date. Speak with your pharmacist if you have concerns about taking expired but not grossly outdated Alka-Seltzer.
How to dispose of expired Alka-Seltzer
If your Alka-Seltzer tablets have expired and you choose not to take them, dispose of them properly:
- Take to a drug take-back site or event organized by your city or pharmacy
- Mix tablets with an unappealing substance like cat litter in a sealed bag or container before throwing out
- Do not flush down the toilet or drain unless this is specifically recommended
Check with your town or pharmacy about local requirements for medicine disposal. Proper disposal prevents accidental ingestion and allows for safe, ecological removal.
Frequently asked questions
Is it bad to take expired Alka-Seltzer?
It’s generally not dangerous to take Alka-Seltzer a few years past expiration, but it may lose effectiveness over time. Once about 3-5 years past the expiration date, the aspirin and sodium bicarbonate are likely too degraded to provide pain relief or antacid effects. Very old tablets may also cause stomach upset.
Can Alka-Seltzer kill you if expired?
No, Alka-Seltzer cannot kill you if expired. The ingredients do not become toxic over time. However, very old tablets may cause nausea, vomiting, or allergic reactions in some people. Stick to Alka-Seltzer within 1-2 years of expiration for guaranteed safety and effectiveness.
Can you still use Alka-Seltzer after opening the package?
Yes, you can still use Alka-Seltzer tablets for up to 6 months after opening the foil packet. Be sure to fold the package over tightly after each use. Store in a cool, dry place and discard if the tablets get moist, crumble easily, or fizz slowly in water.
Does Alka-Seltzer work if expired?
Alka-Seltzer can still provide some heartburn and indigestion relief for 1-2 years past expiration if the tablets still fizz normally. After around 3 years, the ingredients degrade and effectiveness is greatly reduced. Expired tablets may fizzle slowly or incompletely.
The bottom line
Alka-Seltzer has an expiration date stamped on the package, but it can often be safely and effectively used for 1-2 years after that date. Over time, the aspirin may lose potency as an analgesic while the sodium bicarbonate may become less effective as an antacid. But the citric acid will maintain acid neutralizing capabilities.
Store Alka-Seltzer properly in cool, dry conditions and discard if the tablets are damaged or fail to dissolve fully in water. While expired Alka-Seltzer isn’t recommended for normal use, it is generally not dangerous either unless it is very old with degraded ingredients.