Ascorbic acid is found in citrus fruit, tomatoes, potatoes, and leafy vegetables. Ascorbic acid
is important for the skin and connective tissues, for normal chemical and hormonal production, and
for the immune system.
Ascorbic acid is used to treat and prevent vitamin C deficiency.
Ascorbic acid may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
Take ascorbic acid exactly as directed by your doctor or as directed on the package. If you
do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Swallow each nonchewable dose (tablets and capsules) with a full glass of water.
Chew the chewable forms of ascorbic acid well before swallowing.
Use a dropper, a dose-measuring spoon, or a dose-measuring cup to measure liquid
doses of ascorbic acid. Shake suspensions well before measuring a dose.
Measure and mix the powder and crystal forms of ascorbic acid as directed. Drink all of the
mixture immediately after mixing.
Allow the lozenges to dissolve completely in your mouth.
Do not take more ascorbic acid than is prescribed for you or than is directed on the
package.
Store ascorbic acid at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Stop taking ascorbic acid and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an
allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face;
or hives).
Other less serious side effects may also occur, especially with large or prolonged doses. Talk
to your doctor if you experience
diarrhea, or
kidney stones.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your
doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
Talk to your doctor before taking ascorbic acid if you are taking any of the following
medicines
an estrogen such as Premarin, Ogen, Estratest, Vivelle, Climara,
Estring, Estrace, and others;
an oral birth control pill such as Alesse, Levlen, Ovral,
Triphasil, Tri-Levlen, Lo-Ovral, and others; or
warfarin (Coumadin).
You may not be able to take ascorbic acid, or you may require a dosage
adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed
above.
It is not known whether other drugs will interact with ascorbic acid. Talk to your doctor and
pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines or herbal/health
supplements.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next
dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. It is not necessary to take
a double dose.
Before taking ascorbic acid, tell your doctor or talk to your pharmacist if you:
have diabetes,
have kidney disease or an increased risk of kidney stone
formation,
have a tartrazine sensitivity,
have a sulfite sensitivity,
are on a sodium restricted diet,
are undergoing testing of the stool for blood, or
are taking warfarin (Coumadin).
You may not be able to take ascorbic acid, or you may require special
monitoring if you have any of the conditions or are taking any of the medicines listed above.
Ascorbic acid is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known
whether ascorbic acid will harm an unborn baby. Some ascorbic acid is important for the normal
development of a baby, however it is not known whether large doses or prolonged use of ascorbic
acid could be harmful. Do not take ascorbic acid without first talking to your doctor if you are
pregnant.
Ascorbic acid passes into breast milk. Do not take ascorbic acid without first talking to
your doctor if you are breast-feeding.
Consultation with a licensed health care professional is advisable before using any
herbal/health supplement. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the uses of
herbal/health supplements may be beneficial and coordination of treatment among all health care
providers involved may be advantageous. Remember, keep this and all other prescription drug
products, over-the-counter drug products, and herbal/health supplements out of the reach of children.
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up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. In addition, the drug information contained herein may be time sensitive.
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that uses outside of the United States are appropriate. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy.
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given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for
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The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions,
or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
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