Alka Seltzer

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Alka Seltzer

Alka Seltzer, which bubbles when placed in water, is an over the counter medication containing aspirin, heat-treated sodium bi carbonate, and sodium citrate. Originally created in 1931, it was mistakenly and popularly used to treat hangovers. The product has had a variety of well-known commercial advertisements. The first one introduced the character "Speedy" Alka Seltzer, who was used in 200 commercials between 1954-1964. The other two well received advertisements include a jingle, "Plop, Plop, Fizz, Fizz," and a slogan, "I can't believe I ate the whole thing"; both were used in the 1970s and 1980s. By the late 1990s, the medicine was still popular enough to be found on the shelves of various retail stores.

—S. Naomi Finkelstein

Further Reading:

McGrath, Molly. Top Sellers USA: Success Stories Behind America's Best Selling Products from Alka Seltzer to Zippo. New York, Morrow, 1983.