Sign inBefore taking ascorbic acid
Before taking ascorbic acid make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:
- If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
- If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
- If you suffer from gall stones.
- If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
How to take ascorbic acid
- Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
- Take ascorbic acid exactly as you have been directed by your doctor or dentist.
- If you are taking the effervescent form of ascorbic acid they must be dissolved in water before taking.
- If you are taking the 500 mg tablets, these should be sucked or chewed before swallowing.
- Try to take ascorbic acid at the same time each day to avoid missing any doses.
- If you forget to take a dose, don't worry, just take the next dose when it is due. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up.
Getting the most from your treatment
- If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
Can ascorbic acid cause problems?
Although ascorbic acid is unlikely to cause any side-effects in usual doses, large doses taken over a long period of time have been associated with the following side-effects. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects become troublesome.
| Possible side-effects | What can I do if I experience this |
| Feeling or being sick, stomach cramp | Eat little and often and stick to simple foods |
| Headache | Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain-killer |
| Flushing, redness of the skin, diarrhoea, and increased need to pass water | If troublesome, speak to your doctor |
If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
How to store ascorbic acid
- Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
Important information about all medicines
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References
- Manufacturer's PIL, Ascorbic Acid Tablets Label Leaflet (Actavis UK Ltd), electronic Medicines Compendium. Revised May 2007, accessed 16 June 2008.
- British National Formulary; 55th Edition (March 2008) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF).