Vitamin C 250mg Chewable Tablet

Uses of Vitamin C 250mg Chewable Tablet

Scurvy

How does Vitamin C 250mg Chewable Tablet work?

Vitamin C, an antioxidant is crucial for tissue growth and repair throughout the body. It plays a key role in the production of collagen, a vital protein essential for the formation of skin, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels. Additionally, vitamin C is necessary for wound healing and the maintenance of bones and teeth.

Side Effects of Vitamin C 250mg Chewable Tablet

• Flushing, Flank pain, Faintness, headache
• Diarrhea, dyspepsia, nausea, vomiting
• Hyperoxaluria (large doses)

Quick Suggestions:

• Growth and Repair: Essential for the growth and repair of tissues throughout the body.
• Collagen Formation: Forms collagen, a crucial protein for skin, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels.
• Wound Healing: Heals wounds and forms scar tissue.
• Cartilage, Bone, and Teeth Maintenance: Repairs and maintains cartilage, bones, and teeth.
• Iron Absorption: Aids in the absorption of iron.
• Antioxidant Properties: Acts as an antioxidant, blocking damage caused by free radicals.
• Free Radicals: Produced during food breakdown, tobacco smoke, or radiation exposure.
• Aging Process: Accumulation of free radicals contributes to the aging process.
• Health Conditions: Free radicals may play a role in conditions like cancer, heart disease, and arthritis.

Storage and Regular Intake:

• The body does not produce or store vitamin C.
• Regular intake through diet is crucial to maintain adequate levels.

Common Cold and Vitamin C:

• Prevention: Research indicates that vitamin C supplements or vitamin C-rich foods do not reduce the risk of getting the common cold for most people.
• Symptom Duration: Regular vitamin C intake might slightly shorten colds or reduce symptom severity.
• Post-Onset: Taking a vitamin C supplement after a cold starts does not appear to be helpful.

Indication

Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin. It is needed for normal growth and development.

Pharmacology

Necessary for collagen formation and tissue repair; plays a role in oxidation/reduction reactions and other metabolic pathways, including the synthesis of catecholamines, carnitine, and steroids; also plays a role in the conversion of folic acid to folinic acid.

Dosage & Administration of Vitamin C 250mg Chewable Tablet

Adult Dose:

• Oral Scurvy:
  • Prevention: 25-75 mg daily. 4 tablets 2 to 3 times daily.
  • Treatment: >250 mg daily, given in divided doses. May also be given via IM/IV/SC admin.
• Thalassemia: 100-200 mg daily, to be given with desferrioxamine.
• Common cold: 1 gm or more daily in divided doses, i.e. 4 tablets daily.
• In wound healing: 2-4 tablets 2 to 3 times daily.
• For the reduction of the risk of stroke in the elderly: 1-2 tablets daily.

Child Dose:

• Children:
  • 1 mth-4 yr: 125-250 mg daily
  • 4-12 yr: 250-500 mg daily
  • 12-18 yr: 500 mg-1 g daily.
  • Doses to be given in 1-2 divided doses.
• Thalassaemia Child: 100-200 mg daily, to be given with desferrioxamine.
• Metabolic disorders Child: Neonate: 50-200 mg daily, adjust if needed; 1 mth-18 yr: 200-400 mg daily in 1-2 divided doses, up to 1 g daily may be needed.

May be taken with or without food.

Interaction

• Aluminum: Increases absorption, potentially harmful for those with kidney problems.
• Chemotherapy: Concerns that antioxidants, including vitamin C, might reduce chemotherapy drug effectiveness.
• Estrogen: May increase estrogen levels when taken with oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy.
• Protease Inhibitors: Oral vitamin C may reduce the effectiveness of these antiviral drugs.
• Statins and Niacin: Effects of niacin and statins may be reduced when taken with vitamin C.
• Warfarin (Jantoven): High doses might reduce the response to this anticoagulant.

Contraindications

1. Blood illnesses: Vitamin C supplementation is not recommended for blood illnesses such as thalassemia, G6PD deficiency, sickle cell disease, and hemochromatosis.
2. Angioplasty: Supplements should not be taken immediately before or after angioplasty.
3. Diabetes: Vitamin C supplements should be used with caution by diabetics as it may elevate blood sugar levels.
4. Oxalate Nephropathy or Nephrolithiasis: Vitamin C should be administered with caution in these conditions as ascorbic acid enhances the possibilities of cysteine, urate, and oxalate stones forming.

Pregnancy & Lactation

• The drug is considered safe in normal doses during pregnancy.
• However, a daily intake of 5 gm or more is reported to have caused abortion.
• The drug may be taken safely during lactation.

Precautions & Warnings

1. Neonatal Scurvy: Linked to megadoses of vitamin C (greater than 1000 mg daily) consumed during pregnancy.
2. Hyperoxaluria: Patients with hyperoxaluria should avoid taking megadoses of vitamin C.
3. False Positive Results: Vitamin C, being a reactive chemical in the redox system, can cause false positive results in tests for glucose, uric acid, creatine, and occult blood.

Storage Conditions

Should be stored in a dry place below 30˚C.