- Nausea, vomiting, heartburn, abdominal cramps, fatigue, flushing, headache, insomnia, and sleepiness may occur with this drug
- High vitamin C intake (e.g., >3 g/day are associated with GI disturbances. Diarrhea may occur after use of dose
1 g/day - Acidification of the urine, precipitation of urate, cystine, or oxalate stones, or drugs in the urinary tract is associated with use of this drug; patients with preexisting renal disease are more susceptible
- Hyperoxaluria may occur in patients
- Increased uric acid excretion may occur. Higher doses are associated with gouty arthritis in susceptible individuals and in the formation of uric acid stones
- Transient mild pain may occur at the site of SC/IM injections of ascorbic acid. Rapid IV administration of the drug is associated with temporary faintness or dizziness. Hemolysis may occur in patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency after higher IV doses
- Deep-Vein thrombosis may also occur in patients
- Serum cholesterol concentrations may decrease in healthy individuals <25 yrs of age and increase in atherosclerotic patients after administration of 1 g of ascorbic acid daily
- Prolonged use of higher doses of ascorbic acid may result in increased metabolism of the drug; scurvy may occur if intake of the vitamin is reduced to normal. Ingestion of higher doses of the vitamin during pregnancy may result in scurvy in neonates
- Neonates with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency and otherwise healthy premature neonates are also susceptible to hemolysis
- Fatal cardiomyopathy may occur in patients with hemochromatosis on using excessive amounts of vitamin C
- Mutagenicity and Carcinogenicity is associated with this drug
- Avoid excessive doses (>5 g/day) over extended periods of time in diabetic patients, patients prone to renal calculi, patients on sodium-restricted diets, and those taking anticoagulants
- Injectable products contain tartrazine, which may precipitate breathing difficulties in sensitive individuals
- Some injectable products contain sulfites, which may precipitate a reaction in sensitive individuals
- Aluminum present in some injectable products may lead to CNS and bone toxicity
Caution: Use cautiously in:
Pregnancy Category:C
Breastfeeding: Safe; This drug is excreted in breast milk.
