Vitamin C
Description
Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) is an essential component in our body. It helps in the maintenance of healthy body tissues and the immune system. It also helps the body absorb iron from plant-based foods.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Vitamin C
- Lower back pain
- Nausea or Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Increased urination frequency
- Flushing or redness of skin
- Abdominal and stomach cramps
- Dizziness and fainting
- Oxalate crystals in kidneys
Uses of Vitamin C
What is it prescribed for?
- Nutritional Supplementation
- Urinary acidification
- Scurvy
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe amount of time required for this supplement to show its action is not clinically established.
- Duration of effectThe amount of time for which this supplement remains active in the body is not clinically established.
- Safe with alcohol?Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
- Is it habit forming?No habit-forming tendencies were reported.
- Usage in pregnancy?This supplement is recommended for use in pregnant women only when necessary and the potential benefits outweigh the risks involved. Consult your doctor and determine the appropriate dose before using this supplement.
- Usage while breast-feeding?This supplement is recommended for use in breastfeeding women only when necessary and the potential benefits outweigh the risks involved. Consult your doctor and determine the appropriate dose before using this supplement.
Allergy
This supplement is not recommended for use in patients with a known allergy to any other ingredients present along with vitamin C.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
This supplement is recommended for use in pregnant women only when necessary and the potential benefits outweigh the risks involved. Consult your doctor and determine the appropriate dose before using this supplement.
Breast-feeding
This supplement is recommended for use in breastfeeding women only when necessary and the potential benefits outweigh the risks involved. Consult your doctor and determine the appropriate dose before using this supplement.
General warnings
Kidney disease
Vitamin C should be used with caution in patients suffering from a kidney disease or impairment of normal kidney function due to the increased risk of severe adverse effects. This risk is especially increased if higher doses of this supplement are used.
G6PD deficiency
Vitamin C should be used with caution in patients suffering from a G6PD deficiency due to the increased risk of severe adverse effects. This risk is especially increased if higher doses of this supplement are used.
Kidney stone
This supplement should be used with caution in patients having a history of kidney stones due to the increased risk of recurrent stones. This risk is especially increased if higher doses of this supplement are used for a prolonged duration.
Diabetes mellitus
This supplement should be used with caution in patients with diabetes mellitus due to the increased risk of alteration of blood glucose levels. Close monitoring of blood glucose levels and appropriate dose adjustments may be required based on the clinical condition.
Exposure to air or sunlight
This supplement should not be exposed to air or sunlight since it may get oxidized or destroyed. Storage instructions mentioned on the label should be followed strictly.
Hemochromatosis
This supplement should be used with extreme caution in patients having hemochromatosis, a rare genetic disease where the amount of iron present in the body is abnormally high. High doses of vitamin C could worsen the patient's condition.
Smoking
Smoking cigarettes or use of tobacco products in other forms may make this supplement less effective.
Parenteral preparation in pregnant women
Use of parenteral preparations (intravenous/intramuscular/subcutaneous routes) should be avoided in pregnant women.
Missed Dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, then the missed dose can be skipped. Do not use extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.
Overdose
Contact your doctor immediately if an overdose with this medicine is suspected. Although an excess of vitamin C is mostly eliminated in the urine, high doses may cause headaches, frequent urination, diarrhea, and nausea.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Bortezomib
Amphetamine
Deferoxamine
Disease interactions
Disease
Information not available.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Take Vitamin C following all directions mentioned on the label or as prescribed by the doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller quantities or for longer than recommended. Ensure that the treatment course is completed. Do not stop the use of this medicine without consulting your doctor.
Miscelleneous
How it works
This supplement works by playing a vital role in the formation and maintenance of bones, connective tissues, muscles, and blood vessels. It plays an important role in preventing cell damage caused by free radicals. It also helps in absorption of iron from plant-based foods.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Vitamins
Schedule
OTC
[Internet]. 2017 [cited 28 August 2017]. Available from:
[Internet]. 2017 [cited 28 August 2017]. Available from:
Office of Dietary Supplements - Vitamin C [Internet]. Ods.od.nih.gov. 2017 [cited 28 August 2017]. Available from:
Vitamin C [Internet]. The Nutrition Source. 2017 [cited 28 August 2017]. Available from:
Vitamin C: MedlinePlus [Internet]. Medlineplus.gov. 2017 [cited 28 August 2017]. Available from:
Vitamin C - DrugBank [Internet]. Drugbank.ca. 2017 [cited 19 September 2017]. Available from:
Information on this page was last updated on 25 Sep 2017
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.