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Overview

Vitamin C

Prescription vs OTC : Prescription by Doctor required

About Vitamin C

Vitamin C is important for healthy bones, tissues, veins and help in the production of red blood cells. Also the disease scurvy which is caused due to deficiency of Vitamin C is treated by supplying enough amount of it to the body from external sources. Ascorbic acid is used in such treatment. It also helps in better iron absorption in the body.

Vitamin C is a vitamin absorbed by the body from different food sources, mostly from citrus fruits like oranges, lemons , kiwi, papaya etc. and different vegetables as well. You should not be taking Vitamin C if you have a problem of hematochromatosis or iron overload, or any kind of complications related to kidney stones in the past.

Vitamin C is safe when taken in proper dosage as prescribed by the doctor according to the need of your body. But over-dosage, improper administration, or allergic tendency towards it can produce side effects in your body. Some of the side effects are- nausea, diarrhea, joint pain, weakness, weight loss, upset stomach, stomach cramps, painful urination, fever, shivering etc.

Aluminum present in antacid medicines may react with ascorbic acid hence the physician needs to be consulted about the procedure of consuming both. Symptoms of overdose include renal calculi, nausea, gastritis, diarrhea. Diuresis with forced fluids may be useful following a massive ingestion.

Take exactly as directed; do not take more than the recommended dose. Do not chew or crush extended release tablets. Take oral doses with 8 ounces of water. Diabetics should use serum glucose monitoring method. Report pain on urination, faintness, or flank pain.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

    What are the uses of Vitamin C

    • Nutritional Deficiencies

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

    What are the contraindications of Vitamin C ?

    • Pregnancy

      Vitamin C is contraindicated in Large doses during pregnancy.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

    What are the side effects of Vitamin C ?

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

    Key highlights of Vitamin C

    • Is It safe with alcohol?

      Interaction with alcohol is unknown. Please consult your doctor.

    • Are there any pregnancy warnings?

      Unknown. Human and animal studies are not available. A/C (if dose exceeds RDA recommendation) Please consult your doctor.

    • Are there any breast-feeding warnings?

      Vitamin c injection is probably safe to use during breastfeeding. Please consult your doctor.

    • Is it safe to drive while on this medicine?

      There is no interaction between driving and consuming this drug. So dose alteration is not needed.

    • Does this affect kidney function?

      There is no data available. Please consult doctor before consuming the drug.

    • Does this affect liver function?

      There is no data available. Please consult doctor before consuming the drug.

    • Is it safe to drive while on this medicine?

      No interaction found or established.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

    What are the dosage instructions?

    • Are there any missed dose instructions?

      Take the medicine as soon as you remember.

    • Are there any overdose instructions?

      Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

    Medicines containing Vitamin C

    Below is the list of medicines, which contains Vitamin C as ingredient

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

    How does this medication work?

    This medicine works as a coenzyme and reducing agent in a number of metabolic pathways. It is also involved in the conversion of folic acid to folinic acid, tyrosine metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, iron metabolism, cellular respiration and others.

      Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

      What are the interactions of Vitamin C ?

      Whenever you take more than one medicine, or mix it with certain foods or beverages, you"re at risk of a drug interaction.

        test
      • Interaction with Lab Test

        False-positive urinary glucose with cupric sulfate reagent, false-negative urinary glucose with glucose oxidase method; false-negative stool occult blood 48-72 hours after ascorbic acid ingestion.
      • Interaction with Medicine

        • Decreased effect:
          • Aspirin (decreases ascorbate levels, increases aspirin).
          • Fluphenazine (decreases fluphenazine levels).
          • Warfarin (decreased effect).
        • Increased effect:
          • Iron (absorption enhanced).
          • Oral contraceptives (increased contraceptive effect).
      • Interaction with Disease

        Diabetics and patients prone to recurrent renal calculi (eg, dialysis patients) should not take excessive doses for extended periods of time.

      FAQs about Vitamin C

      • Ques : What is Vitamin C?

        Ans : Vitamin C is also known as Ascorbic acid. It plays an important role to maintain healthy skin, bones, teeth, and Cartilage. This vitamin is an essential nutrient to protect cells of the body from damage. Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant. Insufficient amounts of this vitamin can cause scurvy in the body and scurvy can cause tooth loss, muscle weakness, joint pain, skin rashes, and tiredness.

      • Ques : What are the uses of Vitamin C?

        Ans : Vitamin C is used for healthy bones, muscles, nerves, and red blood cells. Besides these, it can also be used to treat conditions like tooth loss, muscle weakness, joint pain, skin rashes, and tiredness.

      • Ques : What are the side effects of Vitamin C?

        Ans : An inappropriate amount of Vitamin C can cause various side effects. This is a list of possible side-effects that may occur due to the constituting ingredients of Vitamin C. These include joint pain, weakness, abdominal cramps, weight loss, and painful urination. Vitamin C is not adequate for the patients having kidney stones and a problem of hemochromatosis.

      • Ques : What are the instructions for storage and disposal Vitamin C?

        Ans : Vitamin C (Chewable Tablets/ Wafers) should be stored at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Keep it away from the reach of children and pets. A doctor should be consulted regarding the dosage of Vitamin C. The patient should consult a doctor for its further uses and side effects and should inform the doctor about any ongoing medications and treatment before using to avoid undesirable effects.

      • Ques : Is Vitamin C necessary?

        Ans : Vitamin C is used if your diet does not provide enough Vitamin C. It can also be used to treat certain conditions caused due to low levels of Vitamin C in the body. However, it would be best to consult your doctor before taking Vitamin C to get maximum benefit.

      • Ques : Is Vitamin C effective?

        Ans : Vitamin C is effective if used in the dose and duration advised by your doctor. Do not stop taking it even if you see improvement in your condition. If you stop using Vitamin C too early, the symptoms may return or worsen.

      • Ques : How should Vitamin C be taken?

        Ans : Vitamin C should be taken in the dose and duration advised by your doctor. It may be taken with or without food preferably at the same time each day to avoid the chances of missing a dose.

      • Ques : What if I forget to take a dose of Vitamin C?

        Ans : It is advised to take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next scheduled dose in the prescribed time.

      Disclaimer : The information produced here is best of our knowledge and experience and we have tried our best to make it as accurate and up-to-date as possible, but we would like to request that it should not be treated as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.

      Lybrate is a medium to provide our audience with the common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. Even if there is no mention of a warning for any drug or combination, it never means that we are claiming that the drug or combination is safe for consumption without any proper consultation with an expert.

      Lybrate does not take responsibility for any aspect of medicines or treatments. If you have any doubts about your medication, we strongly recommend you to see a doctor immediately.
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      Written ByDrx Hina FirdousPhD (Pharmacology) Pursuing, M.Pharma (Pharmacology), B.Pharma - Certificate in Nutrition and Child CarePharmacology
      Reviewed By
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      Reviewed ByDr. Garima SharmaMBBS, Master in Healthcare Administration, Diploma in Occupational HealthGeneral Physician
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