Ascorbic Acid

Ascorbic acid is used to prevent and treat scurvy, a disease caused by a lack of vitamin C in the body. This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Ascorbic acid comes in extended-release (long-acting) capsules and tablets, lozenges, syrup, chewable tablets, and liquid drops to be given by mouth. It usually is taken once a day. Follow the directions on the package or on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take ascorbic acid exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Some tablets should be chewed; other tablets and capsules should be swallowed with a full glass of water. It may take up to 3 weeks for symptoms of scurvy to improve.

<p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Ascorbic acid may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if either of these symptoms is severe or does not go away:

<ul>
<li>
diarrhea</li>
<li>
upset stomach</li></ul></p> <p></p> <p></p>

Before taking ascorbic acid, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to ascorbic acid or any other drugs. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, including other vitamins. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney stones. Diabetics should talk to their doctor or pharmacist for the correct way to test their urine while taking large amounts of ascorbic acid.

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.