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.
After the Alka-Seltzer tablet was added to the hot water the tablet should have quickly dissolved, taking some 20 to 30 seconds to do so, depending on the exact temperature. After the tablet was added to the ice-cold water it should have taken much longer to dissolve, with most of the tablet disappearing after about two to three minutes, but with some bubbles still apparent after six minutes or longer.