Aspirin, sodium bicarbonate, and citric acid and Prefest

• Generic Name: aspirin / citric acid / sodium bicarbonate
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Alka-Seltzer Extra Strength, Alka-Seltzer, Medi-Seltzer, Neutralin

Aspirin, sodium bicarbonate, and citric acid combination is used to relieve pain occurring together with heartburn, sour stomach, or acid indigestion.

The aspirin in this combination is the pain reliever. Aspirin belongs to the group of medicines known as salicylates and to the group of medicines known as anti-inflammatory analgesics. The sodium bicarbonate in aspirin, sodium bicarbonate, and citric acid is an antacid. It neutralizes stomach acid by combining with it to form a new substance that is not an acid.

Aspirin, sodium bicarbonate, and citric acid combination may also be used to lessen the chance of heart attack, stroke, or other problems that may occur when a blood vessel is blocked by blood clots. The aspirin in aspirin, sodium bicarbonate, and citric acid helps prevent dangerous blood clots from forming. However, this effect of aspirin may increase the chance of serious bleeding in some people. Therefore, aspirin should be used for this purpose only when your doctor decides, after studying your medical condition and history, that the danger of blood clots is greater than the risk of bleeding. Do not take aspirin to prevent blood clots or a heart attack unless it has been ordered by your doctor.

This combination medicine is available without a prescription.

• Generic Name: estradiol / norgestimate
• Dosage Forms: tablets
• Other Brand Names: Prefest, Ortho-Prefest

Estradiol is a form of estrogen, a female sex hormone that regulates many processes in the body.

Norgestimate is a form of progesterone, a female hormone important for regulating ovulation and menstruation.

Prefest is a combination medicine used to treat menopause symptoms such as hot flashes and vaginal changes, and to prevent osteoporosis (bone loss) in menopausal women.

Prefest may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.