DrugindexOnline^{2nd edition}

Generic Name: Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) Injection (ASS-kor-bik ASS-id)
Brand Name: Examples include Ascor L 500 and Betac

Ascorbic Acid is used for:

Treating and preventing low levels of vitamin C. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Ascorbic Acid is a vitamin. It works by supplementing vitamin C, which is used in many functions in the body.

Do NOT use Ascorbic Acid if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Ascorbic Acid

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Ascorbic Acid :

Some medical conditions may interact with Ascorbic Acid . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have diabetes, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, a high iron level in the blood, anemia (eg, sickle cell, sideroblastic, thalassemia), or kidney stones

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Ascorbic Acid . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) because side effects may be increased by Ascorbic Acid

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Ascorbic Acid may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Ascorbic Acid :

Use Ascorbic Acid as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Ascorbic Acid is usually administered as an injection at your doctor's office, hospital, or clinic. If you are using Ascorbic Acid at home, carefully follow the injection procedures taught to you by your health care provider.
• If Ascorbic Acid contains particles or is discolored, or if the vial is cracked or damaged in any way, do not use it.
• Keep this product, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Dispose of properly after use. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain local regulations for proper disposal.
• If you miss a dose of Ascorbic Acid , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Ascorbic Acid .

Important safety information:

• Do not take large doses of vitamins (megadoses or megavitamin therapy) while taking Ascorbic Acid unless directed to by your doctor.
• Ascorbic Acid may cause incorrect results with some in-home cholesterol test kits. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking Ascorbic Acid and need to check your cholesterol at home.
• Diabetes patients - Ascorbic Acid may cause incorrect test results with some urine glucose tests. Check with your doctor before you adjust the dose of your diabetes medicine or change your diet.
• Ascorbic Acid may cause incorrect test results with kits used to check for blood in the stool. Check with your doctor if you are taking Ascorbic Acid when using the test kit.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant while taking this medicine, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Ascorbic Acid during pregnancy. Ascorbic Acid is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using Ascorbic Acid , check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Ascorbic Acid :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Burning, stinging, or swelling at the injection site.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue).

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm), or emergency room immediately.

Proper storage of Ascorbic Acid :

Store Ascorbic Acid in the refrigerator, between 36 and 46 degrees F (2 and 8 degrees C). Do not freeze. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Keep Ascorbic Acid out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Ascorbic Acid , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Ascorbic Acid is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Ascorbic Acid . If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.