What is Ascorbic acid?
Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) is found in natural foods like citrus fruits, tomatoes, potatoes, and leafy green vegetables. Vitamin C is essential for the bones, connective tissue, muscles, and blood vessels. Vitamin C helps the body absorb iron, which is required for red blood cell production.
Ascorbic acid can be used to prevent and treat vitamin deficiencies.This medication guide does not list all possible uses of ascorbic acid.
Side effects of Ascorbic acid
If you experience any of the following signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing or swelling of lips, face, tongue or throat. Please seek medical help immediately.
Ascorbic acid can cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Stomach pain; joint pain; weakness or tiredness feeling
- Chills, fever, increased urge to urinate, or painful or difficult urination
- Blood in your urine, severe pain on your side or lower spine
Some of the common side effects associated with vitamin C and rose hips include:
- Heartburn; upset stomach
- Nausea, diarrhea, and stomach cramps.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Warnings
Please read all the instructions on the label or package of your medication. Inform your healthcare provider about your medical conditions, allergies, and medicines.
Before you take this drug
If you've ever experienced an allergic reaction after taking a vitamin C product, then it is best to avoid using ascorbic acid.
If you suffer from:
- A history of stones in the kidney is a sign that you may have kidney disease.
- Hereditary iron overload disorder
- If you smoke, smoking may make ascorbic acid less effective.
You may need a different dose during pregnancy or when you are breastfeeding a child. In either case, do not take ascorbic acid without consulting your doctor.
How to take Ascorbic acid?
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) increases. You should follow the 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.Don't chew or crush a tablet. Swallow the entire tablet.Use a medicine cup or spoon to measure liquid medicines. Ask your pharmacist if you don't have a device for measuring doses.
Keep the tablet in its original packaging until you're ready 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.Store ascorbic acid at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.
Do not stop taking ascorbic acid abruptly after a long period of high dosages. You could develop a "conditional" deficiency in vitamin C. The symptoms include bleeding gums and fatigue. You may also see red or blue pinpoints around your hair follicles. You should follow your doctor's advice on how to reduce your dosage. It can be difficult to treat a conditional vitamin C deficiency without medical supervision.
What happens if I miss the dose?
As soon as you recall, take the missed dose. If your next scheduled dosage 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.
What should be avoided?
If your doctor prescribes any restrictions regarding food, beverage, or activity, follow their instructions.
Interaction with other drug
Ascorbic acid may also interact with other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your healthcare providers of all the medicines you are taking and those you plan to take.
