Note: This document contains side effect information about aspirin / chlorpheniramine / phenylephrine. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold Formula Sparkling Original Effervescent Tablets.
Applies to aspirin / chlorpheniramine / phenylephrine: oral tablet effervescent.
Do not use this medicine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, and tranylcypromine.
Aspirin should not be given to a child or teenager who has a fever, especially if the child also has flu symptoms or chicken pox. Aspirin can cause a serious and sometimes fatal condition called Reye's syndrome in children. Do not give this medication to a child younger than 4 years old. Always ask a doctor before giving a cough or cold medicine to a child. Death can occur from the misuse of cough and cold medicines in very young children.
Aspirin may cause serious effects on the stomach or intestines, including bleeding or perforation (forming of a hole). These conditions can be fatal and can occur without warning while you are taking this medication, especially in older adults. Call your doctor at once if you have symptoms of stomach bleeding such as black, bloody, or tarry stools, or coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction while taking aspirin / chlorpheniramine / phenylephrine: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:
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bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
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chest pain, rapid pulse, fast or uneven heart rate;
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ringing in your ears, severe headache, confusion, hallucinations, severe nervousness, feeling like you might pass out;
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tremor, seizure (convulsions);
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feeling short of breath, little or no urinating;
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redness or swelling, new cold or flu symptoms;
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easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness; or
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dangerously high blood pressure (severe headache, buzzing in your ears, anxiety, shortness of breath).
Common side effects may include:
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dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision;
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dry mouth, nose, or throat;
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heartburn, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, upset stomach;
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feeling nervous, restless, or irritable; or
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sleep problems (insomnia).
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
