Vitamin C Pharmacology

Vitamin C

About Vitamin C
Water soluble vitamin, antioxidant.
Mechanism of Action of Vitamin C
Vitamin C exerts it`s action by influencing the biologic oxidations and reductions used in cellular respirations. It directly stimulates collagen synthesis and maintains intracellular connective tissue. It involves in various metabolic reactions such as 1).Hydroxylation of praline and lysine residues of protocollagen which is essential for formation and stabilization of collagen triple helix, 2).hydroxylation of carnitine, 3).Conversion of folic acid to folinic acid, 4).biosynthesis of adrenal steroids, catecholamines, oxytocin, and ADH, 5).Metabolism of cyclic nucleotides and prostaglandins. Vitamin C is important in resistance to infections.
Pharmacokinets of Vitamin C
Absorption: Well absorbed orally.
Distribution: Widely distributed both extracellularly and intracellularly, It crosses the placenta and also distributed in to the breast milk.
Metabolism: Metabolized in the liver; partly oxidized in to active dehydroascorbic acid and inactive metabolites.
Excretion: Inactive metabolites and extra drug is excreted through urine.
Onset of Action for Vitamin C
N/A
Duration of Action for Vitamin C
N/A
Half Life of Vitamin C
N/A
Side Effects of Vitamin C
1. Discomfort at injection site
2. Acid urine
3. Renal calculi
4. Oxaluria
Contra-indications of Vitamin C
No known contraindications
Special Precautions while taking Vitamin C
1. Renal impairment
2. Ingestion of large doses during pregnancy has resulted in scurvy in neonates
Pregnancy Related Information
Use with caution
Old Age Related Information
Use with caution
Breast Feeding Related Information
Use with caution
Children Related Information
May be used
Indications for Vitamin C
1. Scurvy
2. Prophylaxis and treatment of vitamin C deficiency
3. As an antioxidant to maintain natural colour and flavour of food items
4. For acidification of urine
5. Capillary fragility
6. Dental caries

Interactions for Vitamin C
Oral contraceptives and estrogens: Vitamin C increases serum levels of oestrogen resulting in adverse reactions .
Warfarin: The anticoagulant effects of warfarin is reduced.
Lab Tests: Large doses (>500 mg) of vitamin C may cause false negative urine glucose determinations. May result in false negative amine dependent stool occult blood tests.
Typical Dosage for Vitamin C
Oral:
Adults: 50 to 1000mg/day depending up on the requirement.
Pregnancy and lactation: 100 to 150mg/day
Children: 30 to 100mg/day.
Scurvy:
Oral:
Adults: 1000mg twice daily to thrice daily.
Children: 300mg to 1000mg daily.
Sub clinical scurvy:
Oral, S.C., I.M., or I.V.: 100 to 250mg once daily or twice daily depending up on the severity of the condition. Then give a maintenance dosage of 50mg/day.
Children: 100 to 300mg depending up on the severity. Then give a maintenance dose of 35mg/day.

Schedule of Vitamin C
C1 (Oral)
C (Parenteral)
Storage Requirements for Vitamin C
Store in a cool dry area in a well closed container. Protects from moisture, light and direct heat.
Effects of Missed Dosage of Vitamin C
Take the missed dose as soon as noticed and if it is the time for next dose then skip the missed dose. Continue the regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Effects of Overdose of Vitamin C
Discontinue the therapy and provide symptomatic and supportive measures.

Home Delivery for Vitamin C in Your City

Medicine India is just a publishing medium for medicine related information and does not provide services or sales of medicines including vitamin c.

However, we do publish a comprehensive directory of Pharmacies, Chemists and Druggists in cities all over India. You can use this directory to find the medicine stores in your city (or area) that provide home delivery services for vitamin c and other medicines and health products. Home delivery services for vitamin c may be free or they may cost you depending on the pharmacy and the minimum order requirements. It would be best to get this clarified while placing the order.

Please be aware that you should take vitamin c only if a doctor has recommended or prescribed it. Some or all pharmacies who provide a home delivery service for medicines might insist on a prescription for vitamin c before they complete the sale. You can get this information while placing the order for vitamin c with the pharmacy.

Vitamin C is a generic medicine name and there are several brands available for it. Some of the brands for vitamin c might be better known than vitamin c itself. If the pharmacy that's willing to deliver medicines to your home doesn't have vitamin c in stock, you can ask for one of the branded alternatives for vitamin c.