Ascorbic Acid

Class: Vitamin C
ATC Class: A11GA01
VA Class: VT400
Chemical Name: l-ascorbic acid
CAS Number: 50-81-7
Brands: Cenolate, Vicks Vitamin C drops

Introduction

An essential water-soluble vitamin; ascorbic acid is the in vivo form of vitamin C.¹⁰⁹

Uses for Ascorbic Acid

Scurvy

Prevention and treatment of scurvy.^a

Dietary Requirements

Adequate intake needed to prevent scurvy and provide antioxidant protection.¹⁰⁹

Adequate vitamin C intake can be accomplished through consumption of foodstuffs.¹⁰⁹ Citrus fruits, tomatoes, and potatoes are the major contributors of vitamin C in the diet of US adults and children.¹⁰⁹

Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) in adults based on near maximal neutrophil concentrations with minimal urinary excretion of ascorbate.¹⁰⁹

Requirements slightly lower in women than men based on water-soluble nature of the vitamin and the larger lean body mass and total body water in males relative to females.¹⁰⁹

Adequate intake (AI) established for infants ≤6 months of age based on observed mean vitamin C intake of infants fed principally human milk; AI for infants 7–12 months of age based on vitamin C intake from human milk and solid food.¹⁰⁹

RDA for children 1–18 years of age based on data in adults.¹⁰⁹

Macular Degeneration

Suggested as a component of high-dose antioxidant supplements with zinc to reduce risk of developing advanced age-related macular degeneration† in high-risk patients (i.e., those with intermediate stage age-related macular degeneration or advanced stage macular degeneration in only one eye).^{111 112}

Methemoglobinemia

Has been used in the treatment of idiopathic methemoglobinemia†.^a

Ascorbic Acid Dosage and Administration

Administration

Usually administered orally.^a May be administered by IM, IV, or sub-Q injection when oral administration is not feasible or when malabsorption is suspected.^a

Parenteral Administration

Preferred parenteral method of administration is IM.^a

Pressure may build within the vial during storage.^b Exercise care when withdrawing a dose and/or insert a vent needle (e.g., empty sterile syringe) into the vial to release the pressure.^b

IV Administration

Dilution

For solution and drug compatibility, see Compatibility under Stability.

Dilute with large volume of compatible parenteral fluid to minimize adverse reactions.^b Avoid rapid infusion.^b

Dosage

Available as ascorbic acid, calcium ascorbate, and sodium ascorbate; dosage expressed in terms of ascorbic acid.^{b d}

Pediatric Patients

Scurvy

Treatment

Oral or IV

100–300 mg daily for 1 month or until full recovery.^{a c}

Dietary and Replacement Requirements

Oral

Infants ≤6 months of age: Recommended AI is 40 mg (about 6 mg/kg) daily.¹⁰⁹

Infants 7–12 months of age: Recommended AI is 50 mg (about 6 mg/kg) daily.¹⁰⁹

Children 1–3 years of age: RDA is 15 mg daily.¹⁰⁹

Children 4–8 years of age: RDA is 25 mg daily.¹⁰⁹

Children 9–13 years of age: RDA is 45 mg daily.¹⁰⁹

Boys 14–18 years of age: RDA is 75 mg daily.¹⁰⁹

Girls 14–18 years of age: RDA is 65 mg daily.¹⁰⁹

Adults

Scurvy

Treatment

Oral or IV

300 mg–1 g daily for 1 month or until full recovery.^{b c}

Dietary and Replacement Requirements

Oral

Men ≥19 years of age: RDA is 90 mg daily.¹⁰⁹

Women ≥19 years of age: RDA is 75 mg daily.¹⁰⁹

Macular Degeneration†

Oral

500 mg in combination with beta carotene 15 mg, vitamin E 400 units, and zinc (as zinc oxide) 80 mg, with copper (as cupric oxide) 2 mg (to prevent anemia) daily has been used.^{111 112}

Idiopathic Methemoglobinemia†

Oral

300–600 mg daily in divided doses has been used.^a

Special Populations

Pregnant Women

RDA for pregnant women 14–18 years of age is 80 mg daily.¹⁰⁹

RDA for pregnant women 19–50 years of age is 85 mg daily.¹⁰⁹

Requirements increased in pregnant women to ensure transfer of adequate amounts of the vitamin to the fetus.¹⁰⁹

Lactating Women

RDA for lactating women 14–18 or 19–50 years of age is 115 or 120 mg daily, respectively.¹⁰⁹

Requirements increased in lactating women to ensure adequate concentration of the vitamin in milk.¹⁰⁹

Smokers

RDA increased by 35 mg daily.¹⁰⁹

Smoking increases oxidative stress and metabolic turnover of vitamin C.¹⁰⁹

Cautions for Ascorbic Acid

Contraindications

• 
  

  Manufacturer states no known contraindications.^b

  
  

Warnings/Precautions

General Precautions

Sodium Content

Each 1 gram of sodium ascorbate contains approximately 5 mEq of sodium; consider sodium content in patients on sodium-restricted diets.^a

Kidney Stone Formation

Kidney stone (renal calculus) formation reported in individuals with renal disease receiving large dosages of ascorbic acid; excess ascorbic acid intake not associated with kidney stone formation in healthy individuals.¹⁰⁹

Aluminum Content

Some ascorbic acid injection preparations contain aluminum that may be toxic.^b Aluminum may reach toxic levels with prolonged parenteral administration if kidney function is impaired.^b Premature neonates are particularly at risk because their kidneys are immature, and they require large amounts of calcium and phosphate solutions, which contain aluminum.^b

Research indicates that patients with impaired kidney function, including premature neonates, who receive parenteral levels of aluminum >4–5 mcg/kg daily accumulate aluminum at levels associated with CNS and bone toxicity.^b Tissue loading may occur at even lower rates of administration.^b

Specific Populations

Pregnancy

Category C.^b

Lactation

Distributed into milk.^a Caution if parenteral preparation is used in nursing women.^b

Common Adverse Effects

Relatively nontoxic; nausea, vomiting, heartburn, fatigue, flushing, headache, insomnia, sleepiness, and other GI disturbances (diarrhea, transient colic, abdominal cramps, flatulent distention) reported.^a

Interactions for Ascorbic Acid

Specific Drugs and Laboratory Tests

Drug or Test	Interaction	Comments
Aspirin	Increased urinary excretion of ascorbic acid and decreased excretion of aspirin reported with concomitant administrationa
Fluphenazine	Decreased fluphenazine concentrationsa
Iron, oral	Increased GI absorption of irona
Tests for detection of occult blood in stool	Possible false-negative resultsb	Manufacturer of parenteral ascorbic acid recommends discontinuing vitamin C supplements 48–72 hours before testb
Tests for glucose in urine	Possible false-positive with tests based on cupric sulfate reagent and false-negative with tests that use glucose oxidase methoda
Warfarin	Decreased anticoagulant effect reported; other investigators did not observe this effecta

Ascorbic Acid Pharmacokinetics

Absorption

Bioavailability

Readily absorbed by an active process that may be limited after very large doses.^a

Distribution

Extent

Widely distributed in body tissues.^a

Crosses the placenta; cord blood concentration 2–4 times maternal blood concentrations.^a Distributed into human milk.^a

Plasma Protein Binding

About 25%.^a

Elimination

Metabolism

Reversibly oxidized to dehydroascorbic acid.^a

Elimination Route

Excreted in urine. ^a

Removed by hemodialysis.^a

Stability

Storage

Oral

Capsules and Tablets

Cool dry place.^d

Parenteral

Solution

Store in carton until time of use at room temperature (≤25°C).^b Protect from light. ^b

Compatibility

For information on systemic interactions resulting from concomitant use, see Interactions.

Parenteral

Solution Compatibility^HID

Compatible
Dextran 6% in dextrose 5%
Dextran 6% in sodium chloride 0.9%
Dextrose-Ringer's injection combinations
Dextrose-Ringer’s injection, lactated, combinations
Dextrose-saline combinations
Dextrose 2½, 5, or 10% in water
Fructose 10% in sodium chloride 0.9%
Fructose 10% in water
Invert sugar 5 and 10% in sodium chloride 0.9%
Invert sugar 5 and 10% in water
Ionosol products
Ringer's injection
Ringer's injection, lactated
Sodium chloride 0.45 or 0.9%
Sodium lactate (1/6) M
Variable
Fat emulsion 10%, IV

Drug Compatibility

Admixture CompatibilityHID

Compatible
Amikacin sulfate
Calcium chloride
Calcium gluconate
Chloramphenicol sodium succinate
Chlorpromazine HCl
Colistimethate sodium
Cyanocobalamin
Dimenhydrinate HCl
Heparin sodium
Kanamycin sulfate
Methyldopate HCl
Penicillin G potassium
Polymyxin B sulfate
Procaine HCl
Prochlorperazine edisylate
Promethazine HCl
Verapamil HCl
Incompatible
Bleomycin sulfate
Nafcillin sodium
Sodium bicarbonate
Theophylline
Variable
Aminophylline
Erythromycin lactobionate

Y-Site CompatibilityHID

Compatible
Warfarin sodium
Incompatible
Etomidate
Thiopental sodium

ActionsActions

• 
  

  An essential water-soluble vitamin present in fresh fruits and vegetables.^a Vitamin C refers to both ascorbic acid and dehydroascorbic acid (DHA); both compounds exhibit antiscorbutic activity.¹⁰⁹

  
  


• 
  

  An antioxidant and a cofactor in enzymatic and metabolic processes.¹⁰⁹

  
  


• 
  

  Required for collagen formation and tissue repair.^b

  
  

Advice to Patients

• 
  

  Importance of informing clinicians of existing or contemplated concomitant therapy, including prescription and OTC drugs as well as any concomitant illnesses.^a

  
  


• 
  

  Importance of proper dietary habits, including taking appropriate AI or RDA of vitamin C.^a

  
  


• 
  

  Importance of women informing clinicians if they are or plan to become pregnant or plan to breast-feed.^a

  
  


• 
  

  Importance of informing patients of other important precautionary information.^a (See Cautions.)

  
  

Preparations

Excipients in commercially available drug preparations may have clinically important effects in some individuals; consult specific product labeling for details.

* available from one or more manufacturer, distributor, and/or repackager by generic (nonproprietary) name

Ascorbic Acid (as Ascorbic Acid or Sodium Ascorbate)

Routes	Dosage Forms	Strengths	Brand Names	Manufacturer
Bulk	Powder*
Oral	Capsules, extended-release	250 mg*
		500 mg*
	Lozenges	60 mg*
	Solution	25 mg/drop	Vicks Vitamin C Drops	Procter & Gamble
		100 mg/mL
		500 mg/5 mL*
	Tablets	100 mg*
		250 mg*
		500 mg*
		1 g*
	Tablets, chewable	100 mg*
		250 mg*
		500 mg*
		1 g*
	Tablets, extended-release	500 mg*
		1 g*
		1.5 g*
Parenteral	Injection	222 mg/mL*
		250 mg/mL*
		500 mg/mL*	Cenolate	Hospira

Ascorbic acid and sodium ascorbate are also commercially available in combination with other vitamins, minerals, amino acids, analgesic-antipyretics, antihistamines, anti-inflammatory agents, cough suppressants, expectorants, infant formulas, protein supplements, and herbal supplements. For IV infusion, ascorbic acid or sodium ascorbate is also commercially available in combination with other vitamins in caloric and electrolyte solutions.^a

* available from one or more manufacturer, distributor, and/or repackager by generic (nonproprietary) name

Calcium Ascorbate

Routes	Dosage Forms	Strengths	Brand Names	Manufacturer
Bulk	Powder*
Oral	Tablets	610 mg (500 mg of ascorbic acid)*

Calcium ascorbate is also commercially available in combination with other vitamins.

Comparative Pricing

This pricing information is subject to change at the sole discretion of DS Pharmacy. This pricing information was updated 05/2011. Actual costs to patients will vary depending on the use of specific retail or mail-order locations and health insurance copays.

Vitamin C 1000MG Tablets (IVAX PHARMACEUTICALS INC.): 100/$15.99 or 200/$19.97

Vitamin C 500MG Tablets (MAJOR PHARMACEUTICALS): 100/$28.53 or 200/$30.71

Disclaimer

This report on medications is for your information only, and is not considered individual patient advice. Because of the changing nature of drug information, please consult your physician or pharmacist about specific clinical use.

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. and Drugs.com represent that the information provided hereunder was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. and Drugs.com make no representations or warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to such information and specifically disclaims all such warranties. Users are advised that decisions regarding drug therapy are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and the information is provided for informational purposes only. The entire monograph for a drug should be reviewed for a thorough understanding of the drug's actions, uses and side effects. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. and Drugs.com do not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information is not a substitute for medical care.

AHFS Drug Information. © Copyright, 1959-2011, Selected Revisions September 01, 2007. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland 20814.

† Use is not currently included in the labeling approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.

References

73. Nienhuis A, Delea C, Aamodt R et al. Potential role for desferrioxamine and ascorbic acid in the treatment of chronic iron overload. Blood. 1975. 46:1026. Abstract. (IDIS 64329)

74. Hussain MAM, Flynn DM, Green N et al. Effect of dose, time, and ascorbate on iron excretion after subcutaneous desferrioxamine. Lancet. 1977; 1:977-9. [IDIS 76597] [PubMed 67469]

75. Modell B. Total management of thalassemia major. Arch Dis Child. 1977; 52:489-500. [IDIS 86686] [PubMed 879834]

100. Wolfe L, Olivieri N, Sallan D et al. Prevention of cardiac disease by subcutaneous deferoxamine in patients with thalassemia major. N Engl J Med. 1985; 312:1600-3. [IDIS 200851] [PubMed 4000198]

101. Marcus RE, Davies SC, Bantock HM et al. Desferrioxamine to improve cardiac function in iron-overloaded patients with thalassaemia major. Lancet. 1984; 1:392-3. [IDIS 181610] [PubMed 6141447]

102. Borgna-Pignatti C, De Stefano P, Broglia AM. Visual loss in patient on high-dose subcutaneous desferrioxamine. Lancet. 1984; 1:681. [IDIS 183172] [PubMed 6142370]

103. Olivieri NF, Buncic R, Chew E et al. Visual and auditory neurotoxicity in patients receiving subcutaneous deferoxamine infusions. N Engl J Med. 1986; 314:869-73. [IDIS 213050] [PubMed 3485251]

104. Nienhuis AW, Benz EJ, Propper R et al. Thalassemia major: molecular and clinical aspects. Ann Intern Med. 1979; 91:883-97. [IDIS 106721] [PubMed 391118]

105. Nienhuis AW. Vitamin C and iron. N Engl J Med. 1981; 304:170-1. [IDIS 126294] [PubMed 7442737]

106. Pippard MJ, Callender ST, Finch CA. Ferrioxamine excretion in iron-loaded man. Blood. 1982; 60:288-94. [IDIS 156244] [PubMed 7093519]

107. Modell B, Petrou M. Management of thalassaemia major. Arch Dis Child. 1983; 58:1026-30. [IDIS 180974] [PubMed 6660889]

108. National Research Council Food and Nutrition Board Subcommittee on the Tenth Edition of the RDAs. Recommended dietary allowances. 10th ed. Washington, DC: National Academy Press; 1989:115-24.

109. Committee on the Scientific Evaluation of Dietary Reference Intakes of the Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine, National Academy of Sciences. Dietary reference intakes for Vitamin C, Vitamin E, selenium, and carotenoids. Washington, DC: National Academy Press; 2000.

110. Standing Committee on the Scientific Evaluation of Dietary Reference Intakes of the Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine, National Academy of Sciences. Dietary reference intakes for calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, vitamin D, and fluoride. Washington, DC: National Academy Press; 1997. (Uncorrected proofs.)

111. Age-Related Eye Disease Study Research Group. A randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial of high-dose supplementation with vitamins C and E, beta carotene, and zinc for age-related macular degeneration and vision loss. Arch Ophthalmol. 2001; 119:1417-36. [PubMed 11594942]

112. Jampol LM. Antioxidants, zinc, and age-related macular degeneration. Arch Ophthalmol. 2001;119:1533-4. Editorial.

a. AHFS drug information 2007. McEvoy GK, ed. Ascorbic Acid. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-Systems Pharmacists; 2007: 3631-4.

b. Luitpold Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Ascorbic Acid Injection prescribing information. Shirley, NY; 2000 Jun.

c. Weinstein, M, Babyn P, Zlotkin S. An orange a day keeps the doctor away: scurvy in the year 2000. Pediatrics. 2001; 108:e55.

d. GNC A-Z vitamin C 500 mg tablets package information. From ). Accessed 24 May 2007.

HID. Trissel LA. Handbook on injectable drugs. 14th ed. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists; 2007:171-6.

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