Gout is a common disorder of uric acid metabolism that can lead to deposition of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals in soft tissue, recurrent episodes of debilitating joint inflammation, and, if untreated, joint destruction and renal damage.
Composition[edit] Alka-Seltzer contains three active ingredients; aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) (ASA), sodium bicarbonate, and anhydrous citric acid. The aspirin is a pain reliever and anti-inflammatory, and the sodium hydrogen carbonate and citric acid form an antacid by their effervescent reaction with water.
For the equilibrium dissociation reaction: aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) acetylsalicylate ion+H+ +H+. the equilibrium position lies well to the left, favouring molecular aspirin. Aspirin is only slightly soluble in water and acidic solutions such as is present in the stomach. Aspirin contains polar functional groups which can form hydrogen bonds with polar water molecules. Aspirin is more soluble in basic (alkaline) solutions, so it readily dissolves in the duodenum which is the first part of the intestine.