Vitamin C 1000mg Tablets
It is used to treat or prevent vitamin C deficiency.It is used to treat scurvy.It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.
Drug Class
Vitamin, Antioxidant
Pharmacologic Class
Water-soluble vitamin
Pregnancy Category
Category C (for doses exceeding RDA; generally considered safe at recommended daily allowances)
FDA Approved
Jan 1970
DEA Schedule
Not Controlled
Overview
What is this medicine?
Vitamin C is an essential vitamin that helps your body in many ways, including protecting your cells from damage, helping your body make collagen for healthy skin and bones, and supporting your immune system. It's found in many fruits and vegetables.
How to Use This Medicine
Taking Your Medication
To get the most benefit from your medication, take it exactly as directed by your doctor. Carefully read all the information provided with your prescription, and follow the instructions closely. It's recommended to take this medication with a meal to enhance absorption.
Continue taking your medication as instructed by your doctor or healthcare provider, even if you start feeling better. This will help ensure that you complete the full treatment course and achieve the best possible outcome.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
To maintain the effectiveness and safety of your medication, store it at room temperature, away from direct light and heat sources. Keep it in a dry place, such as a closet or drawer, and avoid storing it in a bathroom. This will help prevent degradation and contamination.
Keep all medications, including this one, in a secure location that is out of reach of children and pets. This will help prevent accidental ingestion and ensure that your medication is not tampered with.
What to Do If You Miss a Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it's close to the time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time or take extra doses to make up for the missed one.
To get the most benefit from your medication, take it exactly as directed by your doctor. Carefully read all the information provided with your prescription, and follow the instructions closely. It's recommended to take this medication with a meal to enhance absorption.
Continue taking your medication as instructed by your doctor or healthcare provider, even if you start feeling better. This will help ensure that you complete the full treatment course and achieve the best possible outcome.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
To maintain the effectiveness and safety of your medication, store it at room temperature, away from direct light and heat sources. Keep it in a dry place, such as a closet or drawer, and avoid storing it in a bathroom. This will help prevent degradation and contamination.
Keep all medications, including this one, in a secure location that is out of reach of children and pets. This will help prevent accidental ingestion and ensure that your medication is not tampered with.
What to Do If You Miss a Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it's close to the time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time or take extra doses to make up for the missed one.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables to ensure adequate vitamin C intake.
- Store tablets in a cool, dry place away from direct light and moisture.
- Do not exceed the recommended dose without consulting a healthcare professional.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Standard Dose:
1000 mg once daily (for supplementation/therapeutic use)
Dose Range:
500 - 2000 mg
Condition-Specific Dosing:
Scurvy:
100-250 mg 1-3 times daily for at least 2 weeks
Common Cold (prophylaxis/reduction of duration):
250-1000 mg daily
Wound Healing:
500-1000 mg daily
Pediatric Dosing
Neonatal:
Not established (typically via breast milk or formula)
Infant:
Not established (RDA: 40-50 mg/day)
Child:
Dosing varies by age and indication (RDA: 15-75 mg/day; therapeutic doses up to 1000 mg/day for specific conditions under medical supervision)
Adolescent:
Dosing varies by age and indication (RDA: 65-75 mg/day; therapeutic doses up to 1000 mg/day for specific conditions under medical supervision)
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Mild:
No specific adjustment typically needed for standard supplementation doses.
Moderate:
Caution advised with high doses (>1000 mg/day) due to increased risk of oxalate stone formation. Monitor for symptoms.
Severe:
Avoid high doses (>500 mg/day) due to increased risk of hyperoxaluria and oxalate nephropathy. Consider lower doses or alternative supplementation.
Dialysis:
Ascorbic acid is dialyzable. Supplementation may be needed, but high doses should be avoided due to oxalate risk. Consult nephrologist.
Hepatic Impairment:
Mild:
No specific adjustment needed.
Moderate:
No specific adjustment needed.
Severe:
No specific adjustment needed.
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Ascorbic acid is an essential water-soluble vitamin that acts as a potent antioxidant, protecting cells from oxidative damage. It is a vital cofactor for numerous enzymatic reactions, including those involved in collagen synthesis (essential for connective tissue, bone, teeth, and blood vessels), carnitine synthesis, and neurotransmitter synthesis. It also plays a crucial role in immune function, iron absorption, and cholesterol metabolism.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Bioavailability:
70-90% (at doses <200 mg); decreases to <50% at doses >1000 mg
Tmax:
2-3 hours
FoodEffect:
Absorption may be slightly delayed but not significantly reduced by food.
Distribution:
Vd:
0.2-0.3 L/kg
ProteinBinding:
Not significantly protein bound
CnssPenetration:
Limited (actively transported into CSF, but concentrations are lower than in plasma)
Elimination:
HalfLife:
Approximately 10-20 days (body pool dependent); shorter with high intake (hours)
Clearance:
Renal clearance is dose-dependent; increases with higher intake.
ExcretionRoute:
Renal (unchanged and as metabolites)
Unchanged:
Up to 90% at high doses (exceeding renal threshold)
Pharmacodynamics
OnsetOfAction:
Rapid (systemic effects within hours of absorption)
PeakEffect:
Not precisely defined for vitamin effects; antioxidant effects are continuous with adequate levels.
DurationOfAction:
Dependent on body stores and continuous intake; deficiency symptoms can take weeks to months to develop.
Safety & Warnings
Side Effects
Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Help Right Away
Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek immediate medical attention:
Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Signs of kidney problems, including:
+ Inability to pass urine
+ Changes in urine output
+ Blood in the urine
+ Sudden weight gain
Feeling extremely tired or weak
Dark urine or yellowing of the skin or eyes
Back pain, abdominal pain, or blood in the urine, which may indicate a kidney stone
Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. While many people may not experience any side effects or only minor ones, it's essential to discuss any concerns with your doctor. If you experience any of the following side effects or any other unusual symptoms that bother you or persist, contact your doctor for guidance:
Diarrhea
Upset stomach
Vomiting
This list is not exhaustive, and you may experience other side effects not mentioned here. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, consult your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek immediate medical attention:
Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Signs of kidney problems, including:
+ Inability to pass urine
+ Changes in urine output
+ Blood in the urine
+ Sudden weight gain
Feeling extremely tired or weak
Dark urine or yellowing of the skin or eyes
Back pain, abdominal pain, or blood in the urine, which may indicate a kidney stone
Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. While many people may not experience any side effects or only minor ones, it's essential to discuss any concerns with your doctor. If you experience any of the following side effects or any other unusual symptoms that bother you or persist, contact your doctor for guidance:
Diarrhea
Upset stomach
Vomiting
This list is not exhaustive, and you may experience other side effects not mentioned here. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, consult your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Severe diarrhea or stomach cramps (may indicate too high a dose)
- Signs of kidney stones (severe pain in your side or back, blood in urine, painful urination) - seek immediate medical attention.
Before Using This Medicine
Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the symptoms you experienced as a result of the allergy.
All medications you are currently taking, including prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, natural products, and vitamins. This information will help your doctor identify potential interactions between this medication and other substances.
* Any existing health problems, as this medication may interact with certain conditions.
To ensure your safety, it is crucial to verify that this medication can be taken with all your current medications and health conditions. Never start, stop, or adjust the dosage of any medication without first consulting your doctor.
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the symptoms you experienced as a result of the allergy.
All medications you are currently taking, including prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, natural products, and vitamins. This information will help your doctor identify potential interactions between this medication and other substances.
* Any existing health problems, as this medication may interact with certain conditions.
To ensure your safety, it is crucial to verify that this medication can be taken with all your current medications and health conditions. Never start, stop, or adjust the dosage of any medication without first consulting your doctor.
Precautions & Cautions
It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication. This drug may interfere with certain laboratory tests, so be sure to notify your healthcare providers and lab personnel that you are taking it.
If you have diabetes (high blood sugar), consult with your doctor to discuss any potential concerns. Additionally, if you are following a low-salt or salt-free diet, talk to your doctor to determine the best course of action.
Long-term use of high doses of this medication has been associated with a rare but increased risk of kidney stones and other severe kidney problems. This risk may be higher in individuals with a history of kidney problems or kidney stones, as well as in people 65 years or older and children under 2 years of age.
Do not take this medication for an extended period beyond what your doctor has prescribed. If you have low levels of the enzyme glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), you may be at risk of developing anemia. Individuals of African, South Asian, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean descent may be more likely to have low G6PD levels.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, consult with your doctor to discuss the potential benefits and risks of taking this medication to you and your baby.
If you have diabetes (high blood sugar), consult with your doctor to discuss any potential concerns. Additionally, if you are following a low-salt or salt-free diet, talk to your doctor to determine the best course of action.
Long-term use of high doses of this medication has been associated with a rare but increased risk of kidney stones and other severe kidney problems. This risk may be higher in individuals with a history of kidney problems or kidney stones, as well as in people 65 years or older and children under 2 years of age.
Do not take this medication for an extended period beyond what your doctor has prescribed. If you have low levels of the enzyme glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), you may be at risk of developing anemia. Individuals of African, South Asian, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean descent may be more likely to have low G6PD levels.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, consult with your doctor to discuss the potential benefits and risks of taking this medication to you and your baby.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal cramps
- Heartburn
- Headache
- Flushing
- Fatigue
- Increased risk of kidney stone formation (especially with chronic high doses)
What to Do:
Discontinue use. Symptomatic and supportive care. For severe symptoms or suspected kidney stones, seek immediate medical attention. Call 1-800-222-1222 (Poison Control).
Drug Interactions
Major Interactions
- Deferoxamine (increased iron toxicity, particularly cardiac toxicity, when co-administered with high doses of Vitamin C in patients with iron overload. Administer Vitamin C after deferoxamine has been given for several hours.)
- Warfarin (very high doses of Vitamin C may theoretically decrease anticoagulant effect, though clinical significance is debated and rare.)
Moderate Interactions
- Aluminum-containing antacids (increased absorption of aluminum, especially in patients with renal impairment)
- Oral Contraceptives (may increase estrogen levels, though clinical significance is generally low)
- Protease Inhibitors (some in vitro studies suggest potential for reduced efficacy, but clinical relevance is uncertain)
- Statins (high doses of antioxidants, including Vitamin C, may theoretically blunt the increase in HDL-C from niacin/statin therapy, though recent studies suggest this interaction is not clinically significant for cardiovascular outcomes.)
Minor Interactions
- Aspirin (may increase urinary excretion of Vitamin C and decrease its plasma levels)
- Barbiturates (may increase urinary excretion of Vitamin C)
- Tetracyclines (may increase urinary excretion of Vitamin C)
Monitoring
Routine Monitoring
Symptoms of GI upset (nausea, diarrhea, abdominal cramps)
Frequency: As needed, especially with high doses
Target: Absence of symptoms
Action Threshold: Persistent or severe symptoms; consider dose reduction or discontinuation.
Symptoms of kidney stones (flank pain, hematuria)
Frequency: As needed, especially with high doses and pre-existing renal issues
Target: Absence of symptoms
Action Threshold: Presence of symptoms; seek medical attention, consider dose reduction or discontinuation.
Symptom Monitoring
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal cramps
- Heartburn
- Flank pain (potential kidney stones)
- Hematuria (potential kidney stones)
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Generally considered safe at recommended daily allowances (RDA). High doses (e.g., 1000 mg/day) should be used with caution and only if clearly needed, as excessive intake may theoretically lead to 'rebound scurvy' in the infant after birth, though this is rare. Consult a healthcare provider.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
First Trimester:
Generally safe at RDA; high doses should be avoided unless medically indicated.
Second Trimester:
Generally safe at RDA; high doses should be avoided unless medically indicated.
Third Trimester:
Generally safe at RDA; high doses should be avoided unless medically indicated.
Lactation
Ascorbic acid is excreted into breast milk. It is generally considered safe and compatible with breastfeeding at recommended doses. High doses are unlikely to cause adverse effects in the infant but should be used cautiously.
Infant Risk:
Low risk at typical supplemental doses.
Pediatric Use
Dosing should be age-appropriate and based on recommended daily allowances or specific medical indications. High doses (e.g., 1000 mg) are generally not recommended for routine supplementation in children without medical supervision due to potential for GI upset and theoretical risk of oxalate stone formation.
Geriatric Use
Generally safe. No specific dose adjustment is typically needed based on age alone. However, elderly patients may have reduced renal function, increasing the risk of oxalate stone formation with high doses. Monitor for GI side effects and renal function if high doses are used.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Vitamin C is water-soluble, meaning excess amounts are typically excreted, reducing the risk of toxicity compared to fat-soluble vitamins, but very high doses can still cause side effects.
- While often taken for the common cold, evidence for its efficacy in preventing or treating colds is mixed; it may slightly reduce duration or severity in some individuals, particularly those under physical stress.
- High doses of Vitamin C can interfere with certain laboratory tests, such as urine glucose tests (false negatives) and stool occult blood tests (false negatives). Inform your doctor if you are taking high doses.
- Patients prone to kidney stones, especially oxalate stones, should exercise caution with high doses of Vitamin C due to its metabolism to oxalate.
Alternative Therapies
- Dietary sources (citrus fruits, berries, bell peppers, broccoli, leafy greens)
- Other antioxidant supplements (e.g., Vitamin E, Selenium, CoQ10 - for antioxidant purposes)
Cost & Coverage
Average Cost:
$5 - $20 per 100 tablets (1000mg)
Generic Available:
Yes
Insurance Coverage:
Typically Over-The-Counter (OTC) and not covered by most insurance plans unless prescribed for a specific medical deficiency.
General Drug Facts
If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it is essential to contact your doctor for further evaluation and guidance. To ensure safe and effective treatment, never share your medication with others or take someone else's medication. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, so it is a good idea to consult with your pharmacist for more information. If you have any questions or concerns about your medication, do not hesitate to discuss them with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek emergency medical attention. When reporting the incident, be prepared to provide details about the medication taken, the amount, and the time it occurred.