Alka-Seltzer Plus Maximum Strength Cold and Cough Liquid Gels (Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine maleate, Dextromethorphan hydrobromide, Phenylephrine hydrochloride) 2 mg / 5 mg / 10 mg / 325 mg

CAPSULE, LIQUID FILLEDORALBayer HealthCare LLC.NDC: 0280-1570Updated: Mar 2026

Active Ingredients

CHLORPHENIRAMINE MALEATE — 2 mg

PHENYLEPHRINE HYDROCHLORIDE — 5 mg

DEXTROMETHORPHAN HYDROBROMIDE — 10 mg

ACETAMINOPHEN — 325 mg

Inactive Ingredients (Fillers)

⚠️ 4 ingredients flagged as common allergens

FD&C Blue No. 1

⚠️ Yes — Dye

Colorant

A synthetic blue dye. Less commonly allergenic than other dyes but reactions are documented.

Gelatin

⚠️ Yes — Animal

Capsule Shell

Derived from animal collagen. Used in capsule shells. Not suitable for vegetarians/vegans or those with specific animal protein sensitivities.

Povidone

⚠️ Yes — Povidone

Binder

A synthetic polymer used as a binder. Rare sensitivities documented in medical literature.

Propylene Glycol

⚠️ Yes — Propylene Glycol

Solvent/Humectant

An organic compound used as a solvent and humectant. Can cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals.

D&C Red No. 33

Colorant

Glycerin

Humectant/Solvent

Hamamelis Virginiana Top Water

Skin Conditioner

Polyethylene Glycol 400

Solvent/Plasticizer

Shellac

Coating Agent

Sodium Hydroxide

pH Adjuster

Sorbitan

Emulsifier Base

Sorbitol

Sweetener/Humectant

Titanium Dioxide

Colorant/Opacifier

Ingredient	Purpose	Common Allergen?	Description
FD&C Blue No. 1	Colorant	⚠️ Yes — Dye	A synthetic blue dye. Less commonly allergenic than other dyes but reactions are documented.
Gelatin	Capsule Shell	⚠️ Yes — Animal	Derived from animal collagen. Used in capsule shells. Not suitable for vegetarians/vegans or those with specific animal protein sensitivities.
Povidone	Binder	⚠️ Yes — Povidone	A synthetic polymer used as a binder. Rare sensitivities documented in medical literature.
Propylene Glycol	Solvent/Humectant	⚠️ Yes — Propylene Glycol	An organic compound used as a solvent and humectant. Can cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals.
D&C Red No. 33	Colorant	No	A synthetic red dye used in topical formulations and some oral medications. May cause reactions in individuals with dye sensitivities.
Glycerin	Humectant/Solvent	No	A sugar alcohol that attracts moisture. Used as a humectant, solvent, and sweetener in many oral and topical medications. Generally well tolerated.
Hamamelis Virginiana Top Water	Skin Conditioner	No	Witch hazel distillate, a plant-derived astringent used in topical formulations to soothe and tone the skin.
Polyethylene Glycol 400	Solvent/Plasticizer	No	A low-molecular-weight PEG used as a solvent and plasticizer in oral and topical formulations. Rare but documented allergic reactions to PEG compounds.
Shellac	Coating Agent	No	A natural resin secreted by the lac insect. Used as an enteric coating for tablets and as a glazing agent. Derived from insects — relevant for vegan, vegetarian, and some religious dietary considerations.
Sodium Hydroxide	pH Adjuster	No	A strong alkali used to adjust the pH of pharmaceutical solutions. Present only in trace amounts in the final product.
Sorbitan	Emulsifier Base	No	A cyclic dehydration product of sorbitol, used as a base for making sorbitan ester emulsifiers.
Sorbitol	Sweetener/Humectant	No	A sugar alcohol used as a sweetener and humectant. Can cause gastrointestinal symptoms (bloating, diarrhea) in sensitive individuals or at high doses. Relevant for those following a low-FODMAP diet.
Titanium Dioxide	Colorant/Opacifier	No	A white pigment used for coating opacity. Under regulatory review in some countries.

Exclusion Groups

This medication contains ingredients flagged in the following groups. Patients with these sensitivities should consult their prescriber.

🌾Gluten 🔴Alpha-Gal Syndrome 🎨Dyes & Colorants 🍬Polyols (GI)🌱Not Vegan ☪️Halal Concern ✡️Kosher Concern 🥦Not Vegetarian

Dietary & Safety Information

Alpha-Gal Syndrome Risk

2 ingredients may contain mammalian-derived components:

Gelatin(Yes — Mammalian-derived – alpha-gal risk (verify processing/source).)
Glycerin(Possible — Glycerin can be plant- or animal-derived (verify source).)

Allergen-Free Alternatives

Other versions of Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine maleate, Dextromethorphan hydrobromide, Phenylephrine hydrochloride that avoid allergens found in this formulation.

Bayer HealthCare LLC. — 5 mg / 2 mg / 162.5 mg