- 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
- Nausea, vomiting, heartburn, abdominal cramps, fatigue, flushing, headache, insomnia, and sleepiness may occur in association 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 - 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
- Hemolysis may occur in patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency after higher doses
- 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
- 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
Caution: Use cautiously in
Pregnancy Category:C
Breastfeeding: Safe; This drug is excreted in breast milk.
