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AHFS Consumer Medication Information [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): American Society of Health-System Pharmacists; 2000-2011.

AHFS Consumer Medication Information.

Ascorbic Acid(a skor' bik)

Last reviewed: October 1, 2010.

Why is this medication prescribed?

Ascorbic acid is used to prevent and treat scurvy, a disease caused by a lack of vitamin C in the body.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should this medicine be used?

Ascorbic acid comes in extended-release (long-acting) capsules and tablets, lozenges, syrup, chewable tablets, and liquid drops to be given by mouth. It usually is taken once a day. Follow the directions on the package or on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take ascorbic acid exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Some tablets should be chewed; other tablets and capsules should be swallowed with a full glass of water.

It may take up to 3 weeks for symptoms of scurvy to improve.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking ascorbic acid,

  • tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to ascorbic acid or any other drugs.

  • tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, including other vitamins.

  • tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney stones. Diabetics should talk to their doctor or pharmacist for the correct way to test their urine while taking large amounts of ascorbic acid.

  • tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking ascorbic acid, call your doctor.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Some forms of ascorbic acid contain sodium and should be avoided if you are on a sodium- or salt-restricted diet.

Your doctor may suggest changes in your diet to give you more vitamin C.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Ascorbic acid may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if either of these symptoms is severe or does not go away:

  • diarrhea

  • upset stomach

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

What other information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

Other names

  • Vitamin C

This report on medications is for your information only, and is not considered individual patient advice. Because of the changing nature of drug information, please consult your physician or pharmacist about specific clinical use.

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. represents that the information provided hereunder was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to such information and specifically disclaims all such warranties. Users are advised that decisions regarding drug therapy are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and the information is provided for informational purposes only. The entire monograph for a drug should be reviewed for a thorough understanding of the drug's actions, uses and side effects. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. does not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information is not a substitute for medical care.

AHFS® Consumer Medication Information. © Copyright, 2011. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.

The following brand names are from RxNorm, a standardized nomenclature for clinical drugs produced by the National Library of Medicine:

Brand names

  • All Day C CR

  • Ascot

  • C Complex

  • C-500

  • C-500-Gr

  • C-Time

  • Cecon

  • Cemill 1000

  • Cemill 500

  • Centrum Singles-Vitamin C

  • Cevi-Bid

  • N Ice with Vitamin C

  • Special C

  • Sunkist Vitamin C

  • Vicks Vitamin C Drops

  • Vitamin C TR

Brand names of combination products

  • Dexatrim plus Vitamin C (containing Ascorbic Acid and Phenylpropanolamine)

  • Dialyvite 800 (containing Ascorbic Acid, Biotin, Folic Acid, Niacinamide, Riboflavin, Thiamine, mecobalamin, pantothenate, and pyridoxine)

  • Dialyvite 800 with Iron (containing Ascorbic Acid, Biotin, Ferrous fumarate, Folic Acid, Niacinamide, Riboflavin, Thiamine, mecobalamin, pantothenate, and pyridoxine)

  • Dialyvite 800 with Zinc 15 (containing Ascorbic Acid, Biotin, Folic Acid, Niacinamide, Riboflavin, Thiamine, ZINC CITRATE, mecobalamin, pantothenate, and pyridoxine)

  • Dialyvite 800 with Zinc 50 (containing Ascorbic Acid, Biotin, Folic Acid, Niacinamide, Riboflavin, Thiamine, ZINC CITRATE, mecobalamin, pantothenate, and pyridoxine)

  • Fe-Tinic 150 Reformulated Oct 2008 (containing Ascorbic Acid and Polysaccharide iron complex)

  • Feogen Forte (containing Ascorbic Acid, Ferrous fumarate, Folic Acid, and Vitamin B 12)

  • Fero-Grad-500 (containing Ascorbic Acid and ferrous sulfate)

  • Ferocon (containing Ascorbic Acid, Ferrous fumarate, Folic Acid, Vitamin B 12, and liver stomach concentrate)

  • Ferotrin (containing Ascorbic Acid, Ferrous fumarate, Folic Acid, Vitamin B 12, and liver stomach concentrate)

  • Ferotrinsic (containing Ascorbic Acid, Ferrous fumarate, Folic Acid, Vitamin B 12, and liver stomach concentrate)

  • Ferralet 90 (containing Ascorbic Acid, Docusate, Folic Acid, Iron Carbonyl, and Vitamin B 12)

  • Ferraplus (containing Ascorbic Acid, Docusate, Folic Acid, Iron Carbonyl, and Vitamin B 12)

  • Ferrex 150 Plus (containing Ascorbic Acid and Polysaccharide iron complex)

  • Ferrogels Forte (containing Ascorbic Acid, Ferrous fumarate, Folic Acid, and Vitamin B 12)

  • Fetrin (containing Ascorbic Acid, Ferrous fumarate, and Vitamin B 12)

  • Folitab (containing Ascorbic Acid, Folic Acid, and ferrous sulfate)

  • Folivane-F (containing Ascorbic Acid, Ferrous fumarate, Folic Acid, Niacin, and Polysaccharide iron complex)

  • Fumatinic (containing Ascorbic Acid, Ferrous fumarate, and Vitamin B 12)

  • Hemaspan (containing Ascorbic Acid and Ferrous fumarate)

  • Hematogen FA (containing Ascorbic Acid, Ferrous fumarate, Folic Acid, and Vitamin B 12)

  • Hematogen Forte (containing Ascorbic Acid, Ferrous fumarate, Folic Acid, and Vitamin B 12)

  • Hemax (containing Ascorbic Acid, Biotin, Copper Sulfate, Docusate, Folic Acid, Iron Carbonyl, Vitamin B 12, and Vitamin E)

  • Hemocyte-C (containing Ascorbic Acid and Ferrous fumarate)

  • Icar C (containing Ascorbic Acid and Iron Carbonyl)

  • Icar-C Plus (containing Ascorbic Acid, Folic Acid, Iron Carbonyl, and Vitamin B 12)

  • Icar-C Plus SR (containing Ascorbic Acid, Folic Acid, Iron Carbonyl, and Vitamin B 12)

  • Integra F (containing Ascorbic Acid, Ferrous fumarate, Folic Acid, Niacinamide, and Polysaccharide iron complex)

  • Irospan (containing Ascorbic Acid and ferrous sulfate)

  • Irospan Tablet (containing Ascorbic Acid, Biotin, Folic Acid, Iron-Dextran Complex, Niacin, Riboflavin, Thiamine, Vitamin B 12, ferrous bisglycinate, formic acid, pantothenate, and pyridoxine)

  • Lactocal (containing Ascorbic Acid, Calcium Carbonate, Copper Sulfate, Ferrous fumarate, Folic Acid, Magnesium Oxide, Niacinamide, Potassium Iodide, Riboflavin, Thiamine, Vitamin A, Vitamin B 12, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Zinc Sulfate, and pyridoxine)

  • Lipoflavovit (containing Ascorbic Acid, Bioflavonoids, Choline, Inositol, Niacinamide, Riboflavin, Thiamine, Vitamin B 12, pantothenate, and pyridoxine)

  • Macuvite (containing Ascorbic Acid, Beta Carotene, Copper Sulfate, Selenite, Vitamin E, and Zinc Oxide)

  • Macuvite with Lutein (containing Ascorbic Acid, Beta Carotene, Copper Sulfate, Lutein, Selenite, Vitamin E, and Zinc Oxide)

  • MoviPrep (containing Ascorbic Acid, POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL 3350, Potassium Chloride, Sodium Ascorbate, Sodium Chloride, and sodium sulfate)

  • Multi-Delyn (containing Ascorbic Acid, Cholecalciferol, Niacinamide, Riboflavin, Thiamine, Vitamin A, Vitamin B 12, Vitamin E, and pyridoxine)

  • Natelle (containing Ascorbic Acid, Docosahexaenoate, Eicosapentaenoate, Ferrous fumarate, Folic Acid, alpha Tocopherol, pyridoxine, and tricalcium phosphate)

  • Nephrocaps (containing Ascorbic Acid, Biotin, Folic Acid, Niacin, Riboflavin, Thiamine, Vitamin B 12, pantothenate, and pyridoxine)

  • Nephrocaps QT (containing Ascorbic Acid, Biotin, Cholecalciferol, Folic Acid, Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Riboflavin, Thiamine, Vitamin B 12, and pyridoxine)

  • Novaferrum Reformulated Oct 2010 (containing Ascorbic Acid, Folic Acid, and Polysaccharide iron complex)

  • Ocuvite (containing Ascorbic Acid, Beta Carotene, Lutein, Vitamin E, Zinc Oxide, cuprous oxide, and sodium selenate)

  • Ocuvite Lutein (containing Ascorbic Acid, Lutein, Vitamin E, Zinc Oxide, and cuprous oxide)

  • Poly-Vi-Sol (containing Ascorbic Acid, Niacin, Riboflavin, Thiamine, Vitamin A, Vitamin B 12, Vitamin B6, Vitamin D, and Vitamin E)

  • Poly-Vi-Sol with Iron (containing Ascorbic Acid, Niacin, Riboflavin, Thiamine, Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, and ferrous sulfate)

  • Pre Folic (containing Ascorbic Acid and Folic Acid)

  • PreNexa (containing Ascorbic Acid, Cholecalciferol, Docosahexaenoate, Docusate, Ferrous fumarate, Folic Acid, alpha Tocopherol, pyridoxine, and tricalcium phosphate)

  • Prenatal Rx 1 (containing Ascorbic Acid, Biotin, Calcium Carbonate, Cupric oxide, Ferrous fumarate, Folic Acid, Magnesium Oxide, Niacinamide, Pantothenic Acid, Riboflavin, Thiamine, Vitamin A, Vitamin B 12, Vitamin B6, Vitamin E, and Zinc Oxide)

  • PreserVision (containing Ascorbic Acid, Beta Carotene, Vitamin E, Zinc Oxide, and cuprous oxide)

  • PreserVision with Lutein (containing Ascorbic Acid, Lutein, Vitamin E, Zinc Oxide, and cuprous oxide)

  • Preservision 2 (containing Ascorbic Acid, Copper Gluconate, Docosahexaenoate, Eicosapentaenoate, Lutein, Vitamin E, Zinc Oxide, and zeaxanthin)

  • Rena-Vite (containing Ascorbic Acid, D-BIOTIN, Folic Acid, Niacinamide, Riboflavin, Thiamine, Vitamin B 12, pantothenate, and pyridoxine)

  • Rexavite (containing Ascorbic Acid and Polysaccharide iron complex)

  • RightStep (containing Ascorbic Acid, Calcium Sulfate, Cholecalciferol, Copper Sulfate, Ferrous fumarate, Folic Acid, Kelp preparation, Magnesium Oxide, Magnesium Sulfate, Niacinamide, Riboflavin, Vitamin A, Vitamin B 12, Zinc Sulfate, potassium sulfate, and pyridoxine)

  • Tri-Vi-Sol (containing Ascorbic Acid, Vitamin A, and Vitamin D)

  • Tri-Vi-Sol with Iron (containing Ascorbic Acid, Vitamin A, Vitamin D, and ferrous sulfate)

  • Vasoflex HD (containing Ascorbic Acid, BUTCHER'S BROOM Preparation, Diosmin, and Hesperidin)

  • Vitabee with C (containing Ascorbic Acid, Biotin, Folic Acid, Niacinamide, Riboflavin, Thiamine, pantothenate, and pyridoxine)

  • Vitafol-One (containing Ascorbic Acid, Cholecalciferol, Folic Acid, Magnesium Oxide, Niacin, Polysaccharide iron complex, Potassium Iodide, Riboflavin, Thiamine, Vitamin A, Vitamin B 12, Vitamin E, Zinc Oxide, cuprous oxide, and pyridoxine)

  • Vitelle Irospan (containing Ascorbic Acid and ferrous sulfate)

  • Vitron-C (containing Ascorbic Acid and Ferrous fumarate)

  • Vitron-C-Plus (containing Ascorbic Acid and Ferrous fumarate)

What works?

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Conditions of interest

  • Scurvy
    Scurvy is a disease that occurs when you have a severe lack of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) in your diet. It causes general weakness, anemia, gum disease, and skin hemorrhages.
  • Methemoglobinemia
    Methemoglobinemia is a blood disorder in which an abnormal amount of methemoglobin -- a form of hemoglobin -- is produced. Hemoglobin is the molecule in red blood cells that distributes oxygen to the body. Methemoglobin cannot release oxygen.
  • Cystitis - acute
    Acute cystitis is a bacterial infection of the bladder or lower urinary tract. Acute means sudden or severe.
  • Hypertension
    Hypertension is the term used to describe high blood pressure.
  • Common cold
    The common cold usually causes a runny nose, nasal congestion, and sneezing. You may also have a sore throat, cough, headache, or other symptoms.
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