ASCORBIC ACID

Antioxidant vitamin necessary for formation of collagen to hold cells together. Ascorbic acid improves resistance to infection and improves iron absorption

Dosage Forms

▼

Tablet

100 mg

Uses

▼
  • Adjunct to desferrioxamine in iron excretion
  • Prevention and treatment of scurvy
  • Metabolic disorders (tyrosinaemia type III, transient tyrosinaemia of the newborn, glutathione synthase deficiency, Hawkinsinuria)

Dose and Duration

▼
Adjunct to desferrioxamine in iron excretion

Start treatment 1 month after starting desferrioxamine therapy

Adult: 200 mg once daily
Child 1 month–18 years: 100–200 mg once daily 1 hour before food
Prevention of scurvy
Adult: 100 mg once daily
Treatment of scurvy
Adult and child over 12 years: 500–1000 mg daily in 1–2 divided doses
Child 4–12 years: 250–500 mg daily in 1–2 divided doses
Child 1 month–4 years: 125–250 mg daily in 1–2 divided doses
Metabolic disorders
Child 1 month–18 years: 200–400 mg daily in 1–2 divided doses, adjusted as necessary. Up to 1 g daily may be required
Neonate: 50–200 mg daily, adjusted as necessary

Contraindications

▼
  • Hyperoxaluria (excessive urinary oxalate)

Side Effects

▼
  • Nausea, diarrhoea
  • Headache, fatigue
  • Hyperoxaluria

Pregnancy

▼
  • Can be used

Breastfeeding

▼
  • Can be used

Storage

▼
  • Store in a cool dry place away from light
  • Avoid contact with metal

⚠️ Caution

▼
  • Avoid rapid withdrawal as it may result into deficiency due to increased renal clearance
  • Doses larger than 1 g should not be used in pregnancy