Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid)

Uses

Precaution

Side Effects

Handling

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Uses

What is Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) for?

This medication is used to treat or prevent vitamin C deficiency. Vitamin C is also important in wound healing, and may be used to improve iron absorption in iron supplements such as Ferbeaplex, Maltofer, Sangobion, Floron and Obimin.

How should I take or use Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid)?

Do not stop taking your medications without checking with your healthcare professional
This medication may be taken with or without food
It is recommended to take this medication with a full glass of water or other liquids
For chewable tablets: Chew well before swallowing
This medication may be taken together with iron supplements

What should I do if I forget to take or use Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid)?

If you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only the usual dose. Do not double your dose or use extra medication to make up for the missed dose.

Precaution

What precautions should I take when taking or using Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid)?

Before starting on this medication, inform your healthcare professional if you:

Are allergic to this medication, or any of the other ingredients in this medication
Have ever been diagnosed with kidney stones or have kidney problems
Have a condition called Glucose 6 Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency

Side Effects

What are some common side effects of Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid)?

Some side effects include stomach discomfort, diarrhoea, nausea or vomiting

You may reduce the stomach discomfort by taking medication with or after food

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
Difficulty in breathing
Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

Handling

How should I store Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid)?

Keep away from children
Keep in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight
Throw away all expired medications.

How do I throw away Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) safely?

Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing it into the rubbish chute or bin.

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What else should I know about Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid)?

Disclaimers

Please take note that the above is not a complete list of all possible side effects. If you have any concerns about your medication or if you have other side effects that you think are caused by this medication, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.

If you take more than the recommended dose, please seek medical advice immediately. The information provided on this page does not replace information from your healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare professional for more information.

This article is jointly developed by members of the National Medication Information workgroup. The workgroup consists of cluster partners (National Healthcare Group, National University Health System, and SingHealth), community pharmacies (Guardian, Unity, and Watsons), and the Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore. The content does not reflect drug availability and supply information in pharmacies and healthcare institutions. You are advised to check with the respective institutions for such information.

Last Updated on December 2020