Why is Alka-Seltzer Good for Hangovers? A Look at the Science

October 7, 2025 •

4 min read

In the United States, hangover-related issues like poor job performance cost an estimated $148 million annually [1.9.1]. Many people turn to a familiar fizzy remedy, but why is Alka-Seltzer good for hangovers, and does it truly work?

Quick Summary

Alka-Seltzer provides temporary relief from hangover symptoms like headaches and stomach upset by using aspirin and antacids. However, it does not address core issues like dehydration and can carry risks.

Key Points

Symptom-Specific Relief: Alka-Seltzer targets hangover headache with aspirin and upset stomach with sodium bicarbonate [1.3.4].
Fast Absorption: The effervescent formula dissolves in water, allowing for quicker absorption and faster relief than solid pills [1.3.2].
Not a Cure: It only manages symptoms and does not address core hangover causes like dehydration, nutrient loss, or alcohol byproducts [1.6.3].
Stomach Irritation Risk: The aspirin in Alka-Seltzer can irritate a stomach already aggravated by alcohol, especially if taken without food [1.4.2, 1.6.3].
High in Sodium: The sodium content can work against rehydration efforts, which are essential for recovering from a hangover [1.6.3].
Caffeine Boost: The 'Hangover Relief' version contains caffeine to combat mental fatigue and enhance aspirin's pain-relieving effects [1.2.2].
Timing is Key: It's best taken the morning after, not before bed or while drinking, to avoid increased stomach irritation [1.6.4].

The Morning-After Agony: Understanding Hangovers

A hangover is a collection of unpleasant symptoms that develop after drinking too much alcohol [1.8.4]. As blood alcohol content drops, symptoms emerge, typically in full force the morning after [1.8.2]. Key causes include dehydration from increased urination, gastrointestinal irritation leading to nausea, an inflammatory response from the immune system, and exposure to acetaldehyde, a toxic compound produced during alcohol metabolism [1.8.1]. Common symptoms range from headache and muscle aches to fatigue, thirst, and nausea [1.8.2]. While time is the only certain cure, many seek faster relief [1.4.2].

Alka-Seltzer's Three-Pronged Attack on Hangover Symptoms

Alka-Seltzer is a popular over-the-counter medication that targets several key hangover complaints simultaneously. Its effectiveness stems from its active ingredients, which provide a multi-faceted approach to symptom management [1.3.2]. The effervescent nature of the tablets allows for fast absorption, often providing relief in as little as 15 minutes [1.2.2, 1.3.2].

Weapon 1: Aspirin for Pain and Inflammation

Alcohol triggers an inflammatory response in the body, which is a major contributor to hangover headaches and body aches [1.8.1]. Original Alka-Seltzer and Alka-Seltzer Hangover Relief contain aspirin, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) [1.3.3, 1.3.4]. Aspirin works by blocking the production of prostaglandins, chemicals that send pain signals to your brain [1.3.2]. By reducing this inflammation, aspirin directly addresses the pounding headache and muscle soreness associated with a hangover [1.4.1].

Weapon 2: Sodium Bicarbonate for Stomach Upset

Alcohol irritates the stomach lining and increases the production of stomach acid, leading to nausea, indigestion, and a sour stomach [1.8.2]. Sodium bicarbonate, a primary ingredient in Alka-Seltzer, is a simple but powerful antacid [1.3.4, 1.5.4]. It works quickly to neutralize this excess stomach acid, calming the digestive turmoil and providing relief from that queasy, churning feeling [1.3.2, 1.5.1].

Weapon 3: Caffeine for Mental Fatigue (in Hangover Relief Formula)

The specialized Alka-Seltzer Hangover Relief formula includes 65 mg of caffeine per two-tablet dose [1.2.1]. Caffeine is a stimulant that helps counteract the grogginess and mental fatigue that often accompany a hangover [1.3.1]. It can boost the pain-relieving effects of aspirin by up to 40%, making the combination particularly effective for tackling a hangover headache while increasing alertness [1.2.2].

A Symptom Manager, Not a Cure: The Limitations of Alka-Seltzer

While Alka-Seltzer can be effective at managing some of the most prominent hangover symptoms, it is not a cure [1.3.2]. Medical experts emphasize that it is a temporary fix that masks symptoms rather than addressing the root causes of a hangover [1.7.2, 1.7.3].

Key issues Alka-Seltzer does NOT address:

Dehydration: Alcohol is a diuretic, causing fluid and electrolyte loss [1.8.1]. Alka-Seltzer does not rehydrate the body, and its high sodium content can even work against rehydration efforts [1.6.3].
Nutrient Depletion: Alcohol consumption can deplete essential vitamins and minerals, like B vitamins and magnesium, which are crucial for energy and brain function. Alka-Seltzer does not replenish these lost nutrients [1.3.4].
Acetaldehyde Buildup: The product does not help the liver process the toxic byproducts of alcohol, such as acetaldehyde, more efficiently [1.6.3].

Risks and Important Considerations

Using Alka-Seltzer for a hangover is not without risks, primarily due to its aspirin and sodium content. It should not be taken while still drinking or before bed to prevent a hangover, as mixing aspirin with alcohol significantly increases the risk of stomach irritation and bleeding [1.6.4, 1.3.2].

Potential Downsides:

Stomach Irritation: Alcohol already irritates the stomach lining. Adding an NSAID like aspirin can worsen this, especially on an empty stomach [1.6.3, 1.4.2].
High Sodium Content: The sodium in the tablets can hinder rehydration, a crucial part of hangover recovery [1.6.3].
Not for Everyone: People with a history of stomach ulcers, bleeding problems, kidney disease, or an allergy to NSAIDs should avoid this product [1.6.2]. The FDA has also issued warnings about the risk of serious stomach bleeding with aspirin-containing antacids [1.6.4]. It should also not be given to children or teenagers due to the risk of Reye's syndrome [1.6.1].

Comparison of Hangover Remedies


Remedy	Primary Action	Pros	Cons
Alka-Seltzer	Pain relief (aspirin) & acid neutralization (sodium bicarbonate) [1.3.2]	Fast-acting for headache and upset stomach; widely available [1.3.2]	Can irritate stomach; high in sodium; doesn't address dehydration or nutrient loss [1.6.3]
Water/Electrolyte Drinks	Rehydration	Addresses a core cause of hangovers; safe and effective [1.10.1, 1.10.2]	Doesn't directly address pain or inflammation
Other NSAIDs (Ibuprofen)	Pain relief (anti-inflammatory) [1.4.1]	Effective for headache and muscle aches [1.4.1]	Can also irritate the stomach; should be taken with food [1.4.2]
Bland Foods (Toast, Crackers)	Raises blood sugar	Gentle on the stomach; can improve fatigue by raising low blood sugar [1.4.1, 1.10.1]	Limited impact on other symptoms like headache
Modern Hangover Supplements	Address root causes (liver support, rehydration, nutrient replenishment) [1.3.2]	Comprehensive approach using ingredients like DHM, B-vitamins, and electrolytes [1.3.5, 1.3.4]	Often more expensive; effectiveness can vary

Conclusion: A Quick Fix with Caveats

So, why is Alka-Seltzer good for hangovers? It's because its combination of aspirin and sodium bicarbonate offers a fast and convenient way to reduce two of the most-hated symptoms: headache and an upset stomach [1.3.4]. The addition of caffeine in the Hangover Relief formula provides a further boost against fatigue [1.11.2].

However, it's crucial to view Alka-Seltzer as a temporary, symptomatic treatment rather than a cure. It does not address the fundamental physiological problems caused by excessive alcohol consumption, such as dehydration and nutrient loss [1.7.3]. Due to the risks of stomach irritation and its high sodium content, it may not be suitable for everyone [1.6.3, 1.6.2]. For a more complete recovery, it should be used in conjunction with rehydration, rest, and nutrition. Always consult a healthcare provider if you have underlying health conditions or concerns about using Alka-Seltzer [1.11.2].

For more information on the risks associated with aspirin-containing antacids, you can refer to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) [1.6.4].

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Alka-Seltzer does not cure a hangover. It helps manage specific symptoms like headache and upset stomach but doesn't address the root causes like dehydration or inflammation [1.3.2, 1.7.3].

No, it is not recommended. Taking Alka-Seltzer before drinking won't prevent a hangover, and mixing aspirin with alcohol can increase your risk of stomach irritation and bleeding [1.6.4, 1.3.2].

Alka-Seltzer Original or the specific Alka-Seltzer Hangover Relief formula are best. Avoid versions like Alka-Seltzer Plus, as they contain cold and flu ingredients like antihistamines that are not needed for a hangover and may cause more drowsiness [1.3.4, 1.7.3].

The main risks include stomach irritation or bleeding from the aspirin, especially on an empty stomach, and the high sodium content hindering rehydration [1.6.3]. People with certain medical conditions like stomach ulcers or those on blood thinners should avoid it [1.6.2].

Aspirin acts as a pain reliever and anti-inflammatory to reduce headache and body aches. Sodium bicarbonate and citric acid work as antacids to neutralize excess stomach acid, easing nausea and indigestion [1.3.4, 1.3.2].

It is not recommended. The aspirin in Alka-Seltzer can be harsh on an empty stomach that may already be irritated from alcohol. It is best to eat something light, like toast, before taking it [1.6.4].

Better alternatives focus on the root causes. These include oral rehydration solutions (like Pedialyte), drinking plenty of water, consuming foods rich in B-vitamins and electrolytes, and getting adequate rest [1.3.4, 1.10.1].