What is ascorbic acid?
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.
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What is the price of this medication and similar alternatives?
Pricing information provided by drugstore.com.
| Tri-Vi-Sol 1500-400-35 SOLN | M J NUTR | 50/$7.99 or 150/$21.87 |
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What are the possible side effects of ascorbic acid?
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.
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How should I take ascorbic acid?
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.
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What is the most important information I should know about ascorbic acid?
Do not take more ascorbic acid than is prescribed for you or than is directed on the package.
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What happens if I miss a dose?
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.
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What other drugs will affect ascorbic acid?
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.
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Can I take this if I am pregnant or trying to get pregnant or if I am breastfeeding?
Ascorbic acid has been assigned to pregnancy category A by the FDA when used in doses that are advocated by the FDA. Doses exceeding the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) have been assigned to pregnancy category C. Animal studies have not been reported. There are no controlled data in human pregnancy. Ascorbic acid is only recommended for use during pregnancy when benefit outweighs risk.
High doses of ascorbic acid taken during pregnancy have been reported to cause conditional scurvy in infants following birth.
Ascorbic acid is excreted into human breast milk. The effects in the nursing infant are unknown. The manufacturer recommends that caution be used when administering ascorbic acid to nursing women.
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Who should NOT use this medication?
- Manufacturer states no known contraindications.
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What happens if I overdose?
An overdose of ascorbic acid is not likely to be dangerous. If you suspect and overdose, call a doctor or a poison control center for advice.
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Who should not take ascorbic acid?
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.
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Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
As a general rule, you should always take your medications exactly as prescribed and do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.
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I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacy—many different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.
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Where can I get more information?
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