Abstract

Para-seltzer (Wander) is an effervescent tablet of paracetamol 500 mg together with 20 mg caffeine. The preparation is promoted as an analgesic and antipyretic. The name resembles Alka-Seltzer, a well known effervescent aspirin preparation, which like other preparations containing soluble aspirin is tolerated by a proportion of patients who are intolerant of ordinary aspirin. However paracetamol has no effect on the stomach, and intolerance to it is rare. There is no obvious reason for the inclusion of caffeine.