Indication

Treatment or prevention of, Vitamin C Deficiency, Scurvy, Infection, Trauma, Burns, Cold exposure, Following Surgery, common cold, Fever, scurvy, Stress, Cancer, Methaemoglobinaemia and Children receiving unfortified formulas. Also indicated in, Hematuria, Dental Caries, Gum Diseases, Pyorrhea, Acne, Infertility, Atherosclerosis, Fractures, Leg ulcers, Hay fever, Vascular thrombosis prevention, Levodopa toxicity, Arsenic toxicity.

Administration

May be taken with or without food.\r\n\r\nIV Preparation\r\nDilute with large volume of compatible fluid to minimize adverse reactions\r\nCompatible w/ most common diluents (dextrose solns, NS, LR, Ringer's, ½NS, dextrose-saline, dextrose-LR etc)\r\n\r\nIV Administration\r\nAvoid rapid infusion

Adult Dose

Oral\r\nScurvy\r\nAdult: Prevention: 25-75 mg daily. 4 tablets 2 to 3 times daily. Treatment: >250 mg daily, given in divided doses. \r\n\r\nMay also be given via IM/IV/SC admin. \r\n250-500mg IV qDay/BID for at least 2 weeks.\r\n\r\nThalassaemia\r\nAdult: 100-200 mg daily, to be given with desferrioxamine.\r\n\r\nCommon cold: 1 gm or more daily in divided doses, i.e. 4 tablets daily.\r\nIn wound healing: 2-4 tablets 2 to 3 times daily\r\nIn other conditions: 1-2 tablets daily\r\nFor the reduction of risk of stroke in the elderly: 1-2 tablets daily. \r\n\r\n1 effervescent tablet daily with a meal or as directed by physician. Dissolve one tablet in half glass (100 ml) of water and drink instantly.\r\n\r\n

Child Dose

Children: \r\nChild: 1 mth-4 yr: 125-250 mg daily; \r\n4-12 yr: 250-500 mg daily; \r\n12-18 yr: 500 mg-1 g daily. \r\nDoses to be given in 1-2 divided doses.\r\n\r\nThalassaemia\r\nChild: 100-200 mg daily, to be given with desferrioxamine.\r\n\r\nMetabolic disorders\r\nChild: Neonate: 50-200 mg daily, adjust if needed; \r\n1 mth-18 yr: 200-400 mg daily in 1-2 divided doses, up to 1 g daily may be needed.\r\n

Mode of Action

Vitamin C: Necessary for collagen formation and tissue repair; plays a role in oxidation/reduction reactions as well as other metabolic pathways including synthesis of catecholamines, carnitine, and steroids; also plays a role in conversion of folic acid to folinic acid.

Precaution

Should be given with caution to patient with hyperoxaluria.

Side Effect

Flushing, Flank pain, Faintness, headache, Diarrhea, dyspepsia, nausea, vomiting, Hyperoxaluria (large doses)

Interaction

Vit C: Deferroxamine, hormonal contraceptives, flufenazine, warfarin, elemental iron, salicylates, warfarin, fluphenazine, disulfiram, mexiletine, vitamin B12.