alka seltzer plus
alka seltzer plus receives a safety score of 100/100 based on ingredient analysis using FDA Substances Added to Food (SAFFA) data and CSPI Chemical Cuisine ratings. None of the ingredients in this product are flagged for safety concerns by FDA or CSPI databases. Product label data is sourced from the OpenFoodFacts collaborative database. See the full ingredient breakdown and safety assessment below.
What the Data Says About
alka seltzer plus carries a composite safety score of 100/100, which we classify as "Safe" on our four-tier shelf-label framework. The score is computed by mapping each labeled ingredient against FDA Substances Added to Food (SAFFA) regulatory status and CSPI Chemical Cuisine classifications, then penalizing the overall product for each additive rated as caution-or-worse. Product data originates from the OpenFoodFacts collaborative catalog; safety annotations come from federal regulators and the Center for Science in the Public Interest.
Our scan did not identify any ingredients in this product that FDA SAFFA or CSPI Chemical Cuisine data flags as requiring caution or avoidance at the time of analysis. That is a meaningful clean-label signal, though it does not account for personal allergens, regional recalls, or inspection findings not reflected in federal additive databases. The per-ingredient breakdown below shows the source-level classification for each component.
On the NOVA processing scale, alka seltzer plus is classified as Group 4 (Ultra-processed). NOVA measures industrial processing intensity rather than ingredient-level safety, so it complements the SAFFA and CSPI ratings: a product can be clean on additive flags but heavily processed, or lightly processed but carry individually flagged ingredients. Combining both lenses gives a fuller picture than either alone.
Safety Profile at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| PlainFoodSafe Score | 100/100 | FDA SAFFA + CSPI composite |
| Flagged ingredients | 0 | CSPI/FDA review |
| NOVA processing group | Group 4 | OpenFoodFacts |
| Nutri-Score | Not available | OpenFoodFacts |
Composite metric derived from FDA SAFFA, CSPI Chemical Cuisine, OpenFoodFacts. See methodology.
Ingredient Safety Analysis
Full Ingredient List
(in each capsule) Acetaminophen 325 mg. Dextromethorphan hydrobromide 10 mg.. Guaifenesin 200 mg...... Purposes ..Pain reliever/fever reducer Cough suppressant ...Expectorant • Phenylephrine hydrochloride 5 mg...........Nasal decongestant Uses •helps loosen phlegm (mucus) and thin bronchial secretions to rid the bronchial passageways of bothersome mucus and make coughs more productive • temporarily relieves these symptoms due to a cold or flu: minor aches and pains nasal congestion sinus congestion and pressure temporarily reduces fever Warnings • headache • sore throat • cough Liver warning: This product contains acetaminophen. Severe liver damage may occur if you take more than 4,000 mg of acetaminophen in 24 hours with other drugs containing acetaminophen 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day while using this product Allergy alert: Acetaminophen may cause severe skin or severe allergic reactions. Symptoms may include: • rash skin reddening • ⚫ facial swelling • blisters •hives • asthma (wheezing) • shock If a skin or general allergic reaction occurs, stop use and seek medical help right away. Sore throat warning: If sore throat is severe, persists for more than 2 days, is accompanied or followed by fever, headache, rash, nausea, or vomiting, consult a doctor promptly. Do not use with any other drug containing acetaminophen (prescription or nonprescription). If you are not sure whether a drug contains acetaminophen, ask a doctor or pharmacist. if you are now taking a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (certain drugs for depression, psychiatric, or emotional conditions, or Parkinson's disease), or for 2 weeks after stopping the MAOI drug. If you do not know if your prescription drug contains an MAOI, ask a doctor or pharmacist before taking this product. Drug Facts (continued) if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this product or any of its ingredients in children under 12 years of age Ask a doctor before use if you have liver disease • heart disease • • high blood pressure thyroid disease • diabetes difficulty in urination due to enlargement of the prostate gland persistent or chronic cough such as occurs with smoking, asthma, chronic bronchitis or emphysema cough with excessive phlegm (mucus) Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if you are taking the blood thinning drug warfarin When using this product do not exceed recommended dosage Stop use and ask a doctor if • • pain, cough, or nasal congestion gets worse or lasts more than 7 days fever gets worse or lasts more than 3 days redness or swelling is present new symptoms occur cough comes back or occurs with fever, rash or headache that lasts. These could be signs of a serious condition. nervousness, dizziness, or sleeplessness occurs If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use. Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away. Quick medical attention is critical for adults as well as for children even if you do not notice any signs or symptoms. Directions • do not take more than the recommended dose adults and children 12 years and over: take 2 capsules with water every 4 hours. Do not exceed 10 capsules in 24 hours or as directed by a doctor. children under 12 years of age: do not use Other information store at 15°-25°C (59°-77°F) Inactive ingredients FD&C red #40, gelatin, glycerin, lecithin, medium chain triglycerides, polyethylene glycol, potassium aluminum silicate, povidone, propylene glycol, purified water, shellac, sodium hydroxide, sorbitol-sorbitan solution, titanium dioxide. Pay this aunt plus tax and/or shippew (not included) in the store. Amount Due: $6.85 INTERNET
Data Sources
Data as of 2025. Source: OpenFoodFacts, FDA SAFFA, CSPI Chemical Cuisine.
Product data from OpenFoodFacts (ODbL). Ingredient safety ratings from FDA SAFFA and CSPI Chemical Cuisine. See our methodology for details.
This information is for reference only and does not constitute dietary or medical advice.
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