Ascorbic Acid, Oral

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: vitamin

Generic and brand names: ascorbic acid, oral; vitamin C; Acerola-C; Cecon; Cenolate; Cevi-Bid; Dull-C; Fruit C; N'ice Vitamin C Drops; Sunkist Vitamin C; Vicks Vitamin C; Vita-C

What is this medicine used for?

Ascorbic acid, better known as vitamin C, is needed for general good health and strong bones and teeth. Lack of vitamin C in your diet can cause scurvy, a disease that affects the muscles, teeth, and gums. Wounds heal slowly when you don't get enough vitamin C.

Your healthcare provider may prescribe this vitamin for other conditions.

Claims that vitamin C cures certain illnesses such as the common cold have not been proven. If you have any questions about your need for this vitamin, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking ascorbic acid, tell your healthcare provider if you have:

• an allergy to any medicine
• diabetes
• kidney disease or kidney stones

Females of childbearing age: If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, do not take large doses of vitamin C unless approved by your healthcare provider.

How should I take it?

Take this medicine exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes. If your healthcare provider has not given you specific instructions, follow the directions that come with the medicine package. Do not take more or take it longer than prescribed. Do not suddenly stop taking very large doses of vitamin C because loosened teeth and bleeding gums may result. Gradually reduce the dosage. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about anything you do not understand.

Vitamin C is not stored by your body; any extra is lost through urination. Too much vitamin C in the urine may cause stones to develop in the urinary tract. Take large doses of this vitamin only if your healthcare provider approves.

Vitamin C drops can be mixed with water or fruit juice.

What if I overdose?

If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this medicine, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222.

Symptoms of an acute overdose may include: nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea.

What should I watch out for?

Do not take vitamin C within 48 to 72 hours before you are tested for occult blood. Talk to your healthcare provider about this.

Diabetics: Doses over 500 mg may affect urine sugar test results. Talk to your healthcare provider before you change your diet or dosage of diabetes medicine.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Serious (report these to your healthcare provider): Sharp, cramping pain in the back and side in the area of the kidney; painful urination; diarrhea; nausea; vomiting.

What products might interact with this medicine?

When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:

• birth control pills
• fluphenazine (Prolixin)
• iron supplements
• warfarin (Coumadin)

Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.