Alka-Seltzer contains which of the following as its active antacid component?

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Multiple Choice

Alka-Seltzer contains which of the following as its active antacid component?

Antacids work by neutralizing stomach acid to raise the pH inside the stomach. The active antacid component in Alka-Seltzer is sodium bicarbonate. When the tablet dissolves, sodium bicarbonate reacts with the stomach’s hydrochloric acid to form a salt (sodium chloride), water, and carbon dioxide. This neutralizes the acid quickly and the carbon dioxide creates the characteristic fizz that helps the tablet dissolve and spread. The other ingredients listed aren’t the active antacid in this product. Potassium bicarbonate is another type of bicarbonate antacid used in different formulations, but not in Alka-Seltzer. Calcium carbonate is common in other antacids (like Tums), and sodium chloride is simply table salt, not an antacid.

Antacids work by neutralizing stomach acid to raise the pH inside the stomach. The active antacid component in Alka-Seltzer is sodium bicarbonate. When the tablet dissolves, sodium bicarbonate reacts with the stomach’s hydrochloric acid to form a salt (sodium chloride), water, and carbon dioxide. This neutralizes the acid quickly and the carbon dioxide creates the characteristic fizz that helps the tablet dissolve and spread.

The other ingredients listed aren’t the active antacid in this product. Potassium bicarbonate is another type of bicarbonate antacid used in different formulations, but not in Alka-Seltzer. Calcium carbonate is common in other antacids (like Tums), and sodium chloride is simply table salt, not an antacid.

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