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Ascorbic acid

  • Ascorbic acid is also known as vitamin C.

About ascorbic acid

Type of medicine Vitamin C
Used for Preventing and treating vitamin C deficiency
Also called Vitamin C
Available as Tablets, effervescent tablets and injection

Symptoms of ascorbic acid deficiency can include weakness, aches and pains, swollen gums and nose-bleeds.

Ascorbic acid (also known as vitamin C) is vital for the growth and maintenance of healthy bones, teeth, gums, ligaments and blood vessels. It is also required for the absorption of iron in the body, and is thought to be necessary in helping the body prevent infection and for aiding wound healing. The best natural sources of this vitamin are citrus fruits, blackcurrants, tomatoes, potatoes, green or red peppers, and leafy green vegetables.

Ascorbic acid is an ingredient of a number of vitamin preparations and cough and cold remedies that are available to buy.

Before 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


  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2008 DocID:
3332		 DocRef:
dils2304		 Last Updated:
11 Jul 2008		 Date of Next Review:
11 Jul 2010		 Version:
22
Patient UK Current Health News




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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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