Ascorbic acid
Common name: ascorbic acid (vitamin C)
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Dosage forms: oral capsule (500 mg); oral spice (250 mg); oral fluid (500 mg / 5 mL; 90 mg / mL); oral tablet (100 mg; 1000 mg; 1500 mg; 250 mg; 500 mg; bioflavonoids; and bioflavonoids 500 mg); oral, chewable tablet (100 mg; 25 mg; 250 mg; 500 mg; 60 mg); oral, dispersible tablet (100 mg; 250 mg); oral tablet, extended release (1000 mg)
Drug category: Vitamins
What is ascorbic acid?
Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) occurs naturally in foods such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, potatoes, and leafy vegetables. Vitamin C is essential for the bones and connective tissue, muscles, and blood vessels. Vitamin C also helps the body absorb iron, which is needed for the production of red blood cells.
Ascorbic acid is used to treat and prevent vitamin C deficiency.
Ascorbic acid may be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.¶
Warnings
Follow all instructions on your prescription label and package. Tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, allergies, and all the medications you are taking.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use ascorbic acid if you have ever been allergic to vitamin C.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using ascorbic acid if you have:
- kidney disease or history of kidney stones;
- hereditary iron overload disorder (hemochromatosis); or
- if you smoke (smoking can make ascorbic acid less effective).
Your dosage requirements may vary during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Do not use ascorbic acid without your doctor’s advice in any way.
How should I take ascorbic acid?
Use as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in large or small amounts or for longer than recommended.
The recommended dietary supplement for vitamin C (ascorbic acid) increases with age. Follow the instructions of your healthcare provider. You can also contact the Nutrition Office of National Health Centers or the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Nutrient Database (formerly “Recommended Daily Allowances”) for more information.
Drink plenty of fluids while taking ascorbic acid.
The chewing tablet should be chewed before swallowing.
Ascorbic acid gum can be chewed for as long as you want and discard.
Do not crush, chew, or break a tablet extracted in any other way. Swallow it all.
Measure the liquid medicine with a special measuring spoon or cup of medicine. If you do not have a measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
Keep your disposable tablet in your pocket until you are ready to take it. Use dry hands to remove the tablet and put it in your mouth. Do not swallow the whole tablet. Let it melt in your mouth without chewing. Wash several times as the tablet melts.
Store ascorbic acid at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Do not stop using ascorbic acid suddenly after long-term use of high doses, or you may experience a “conditional” deficiency of vitamin C. Symptoms include bleeding gums, feeling very tired, and red or blue spots around the roots of your hair. Follow your doctor’s instructions for reducing your dose. Conditional vitamin C deficiency can be difficult to correct without medical attention.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose when it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for missed doses.
What happens if I overreact?
Get emergency medical help or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while taking ascorbic acid?
Follow your doctor’s instructions regarding any restrictions on food, drink, or activity.
Side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these symptoms: hives; shortness of breath; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using ascorbic acid and call your doctor right away if you have:
- joint pain, weakness or feeling of tiredness, weight loss, abdominal pain;
- cold, fever, increased urination, painful or difficult urination; or
- severe pain in your side or lower back, blood in your urine.
Common side effects may include:
- heartburn, upset stomach; or chest pain
- nausea, diarrhea, stomach cramps.
This is not a complete list of side effects and some may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Information on ascorbic acid dosing
Normal Adult Dietary Supplement:
Oral, IM, IV, under the skin: 50 to 200 mg/day.
The normal Adult dose of Urinary Acidification:
Oral, IM, IV, under the skin: 4 to 12 g / day in 3 to 4 divided doses.
General Adult Strategy for Adults:
Oral, IM, IV, under the skin: 100 to 250 mg once or twice a day for at least two weeks.
Typical Children’s Dietary Supplement:
Oral, IM, IV, under the skin: 35 to 100 mg/day.
General Dosage for Children for Urinary Acidification:
Oral, IM, IV, under the skin: 500 mg every 6 to 8 hours.
Normal Scurvy for Children:
Oral, IM, IV, under the skin: 100 to 300 mg/day in divided doses for at least two weeks.
What other drugs will affect ascorbic acid?
Some medications may be associated with ascorbic acid, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medications you are currently taking and any medications you are starting or stopping.