What is Ester-C?
Ascorbic acid occurs in natural foods like citrus fruits, tomatoes, potatoes, and green vegetables. Vitamin C plays a vital role in the health of bones, connective tissue, blood vessels, muscles, and other tissues. Vitamin C helps absorb iron, which is required for the production of red blood cells.Vitamin C deficiency is treated and prevented by using ascorbic acid.This medication guide does not list all possible uses of ascorbic acid.
Side effects of Ester-C
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergy reaction, seek immediate medical attention: Hives, difficulty breathing, swelling in your lips, face, throat, or tongue
Ascorbic acid can cause severe side effects. If you experience:
- Weakness or fatigue; stomach pain; weight gain
- Chills, fever, increased desire to urinate, or painful urination
- Blood in urine, severe back or side pain
Some of the common side effects associated with Ester-C include:
- Heartburn; stomach upset
- Diarrhea and stomach cramps.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Report side effects by calling the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Please read all the instructions on the label or package of your medication. Inform your doctors about your allergies and medical conditions. Also, tell them which medicines you are using.
Before you take this drug
If you've ever experienced an allergic reaction after taking a vitamin C supplement, then it is best to avoid using ascorbic acids.
If you suffer from:
- A history of stones in the kidney is a sign that you may have kidney disease.
- Hereditary Iron Overload Disorder (Hemochromatosis);
- If you smoke, smoking may make ascorbic acid less effective.
You may need a different dose during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. In either situation, do not take ascorbic acid without consulting your doctor.
How to take Ester-C?
Do not exceed the recommended dosage or duration. Use the recommended dose and do not exceed it.As you age, the recommended daily intake of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) will increase. Follow the advice and instructions of your healthcare provider. For more information, you can consult the Office of Dietary Supplements of the National Institutes of Health or the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Nutrient Database (formerly known as "Recommended Daily Amounts") listings.Take ascorbic acid with plenty of fluids.Chew the chewable tablet before swallowing it.You can chew the gum for as long as you like and then throw it away.Never chew or crush a tablet. It is best to swallow it whole.Use a medicine cup or spoon to measure liquid medicines. Ask your pharmacist if you don't have one.
The tablet should be kept in its original packaging until it is time to use it. Place the tablet in your mouth using dry hands. The tablet should not be swallowed whole. Do not chew the tablet. As the tablet dissolves, swallow several times.Keep ascorbic acid away from heat and moisture at room temperature.Don't stop taking ascorbic acid abruptly after a long period of high dosages. Otherwise, you may have a "conditional" deficiency in vitamin C. The symptoms include feeling tired and having red or blue spots near your hair follicles. You should follow your doctor's advice on how to reduce your dosage. It can be hard to treat a conditional deficiency of vitamin C without medical supervision.
What happens if I miss the dose?
As soon as possible, take the missed dose. If your next dose is approaching, skip the missed dose. You should not take more medicine to compensate for a missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
Avoid this
If your doctor prescribes any restrictions on foods, drinks, or activities, follow their instructions.
Interaction with other drug
Ascorbic acid may also interact with other drugs, such as prescription medicines, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your healthcare providers of all the medicines that you are currently taking and those you plan to start using.
