Bromo-seltzer
| Drug Information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Image | |||
| Identifiers
CAS Number ATC Code PubChem DrugBank ChemSpider ID UNII KEGG ChEBI ChEMBL IUPAC Name |
Chemical Data
C H N O Molecular Weight | ||
Bromo-Seltzer is an over-the-counter medication used to relieve pain and neutralize stomach acid. The product is a combination of sodium bicarbonate, citric acid, and acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin). Originally marketed by the Emerson Drug Company, Bromo-Seltzer has been used to treat headaches, indigestion, and other minor ailments since its introduction in the late 19th century.
History[edit | edit source]
Bromo-Seltzer was developed by Isaac E. Emerson in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1888. The product became widely popular for its effectiveness in alleviating headaches and its distinctive blue bottle, which featured the Bromo-Seltzer Tower, modeled after the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence, Italy. The tower, part of the original factory, became a well-known landmark in Baltimore.
Composition[edit | edit source]
Bromo-Seltzer contains three active ingredients:
- Sodium bicarbonate – an antacid that helps neutralize stomach acid.
- Citric acid – reacts with sodium bicarbonate to produce carbon dioxide, which encourages burping to relieve bloating and discomfort.
- Acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) – an analgesic that helps reduce pain and inflammation.
Usage[edit | edit source]
Bromo-Seltzer is used for the relief of acid indigestion, heartburn, sour stomach, upset stomach associated with these symptoms, and as a pain reliever for headaches. It is typically administered in effervescent form, where the powder is dissolved in water and ingested.
Side Effects[edit | edit source]
As with any medication, Bromo-Seltzer can cause side effects. The most common include stomach upset, nausea, and gastrointestinal irritation. Due to its aspirin content, it should not be used by individuals who have allergies to salicylates or are on blood-thinning medications without consulting a healthcare provider.
Cultural Impact[edit | edit source]
Bromo-Seltzer has been referenced in various cultural contexts, including literature and films, often symbolizing quick relief from pain or discomfort. The iconic Bromo-Seltzer Tower in Baltimore has also been featured in several cultural depictions, enhancing its status as a historical landmark.
See Also[edit | edit source]
 | This medical article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it. |
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
