Vitamin C plays an important role in the normal functioning of the human body. In addition to strengthening the immune system, Vitamin C also has a positive effect on the functioning of many organs and systems (digestive, hematopoietic, respiratory). Ascorbic acid saturates the body with the necessary components and substances as much as possible.
Ascorbic acid, popularly referred to as “ascorbic acid”, is used for the prevention and treatment of vitamin deficiency or hypovitaminosis, diseases of the hematopoietic system, respiratory system (asthma, ARVI), and promotes the complete absorption of iron in the gastrointestinal tract. The drug is used with caution during pregnancy and lactation.
pharmachologic effect
The pharmacological effect of ascorbic acid is that it regulates redox processes, normalizes blood coagulation and participates in the metabolism of amino acids, cholesterol and carbohydrates. The use of ascorbic acid reduces the need for certain types of vitamins and acids (folic and pantothenic). The antioxidant properties of vitamin C protect against free radicals and promote the production of interferon, which maximally protects the body from viruses and bacteria.
Indications for use
Vitamin C in injection form is prescribed in the following cases
:
- diseases of scurvy or tuberculosis;
- hypo- and aminominosis;
- strenuous work (mental or physical);
- period of lactation or active growth (for children);
- hypothermia of the body;
- recovery period after illness or surgery;
- parental or unbalanced nutrition;
- Gastrointestinal diseases - peptic ulcer, diarrhea;
- recovery period after gastrectomy, intestinal resection;
- chronic intoxication of the body;
- treatment of alcoholism and smoking cessation;
- recovery from stress and trauma;
- intoxication;
- bleeding (hepatic, pulmonary, nasal);
- radiation sickness and others.
Release forms
Powder for preparing a solution for oral use, 1 gram and 2.5 grams.
Packages are available in: 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 packets per pack; each package is accompanied by detailed instructions with a full description of the drug.
Using ascorbic acid in powder form has its advantages:
- easy and precise dosage
- storage stability
- ease of use
- ease of transportation.
The powder must be taken daily after meals. To prepare the drink, you need to dilute one sachet of powder (2.5 grams) in 2.5 liters of water.
Dosage
The dosage of the drug depends on the age of the patient: during treatment, adults are recommended to take 50-100 milligrams 3 to 5 times a day. Children from 5 years old - 50-100 milligrams 2 or 3 times a day, during pregnancy and breastfeeding - 300 milligrams per day, continue the course for about 10-15 days, then 100 milligrams per day.
Ascorbic acid is also used for prevention: adults - 50-100 milligrams per day. Children over 5 years old – 50 milligrams per day.
The solution must be consumed immediately after preparation.
Ascorbic acid - powder
Ascorbic acid Registration number: LS-002248 dated 11/10/2006
Trade name: Ascorbic acid
International nonproprietary name (INN): Ascorbic acid Dosage form: powder for oral administration 1000 mg
Ingredients: Ascorbic acid – 1 g
Description: White crystalline powder, odorless.
Pharmacotherapeutic group: Vitamin.
ATX code : A 11 GA 01
Pharmacological properties: Vitamin preparation, has a metabolic effect, is not formed in the human body, but comes only with food. Participates in the regulation of redox processes, carbohydrate metabolism, blood clotting, tissue regeneration, and in the synthesis of steroid hormones; increases the body's resistance to infections, reduces vascular permeability, reduces the need for vitamins B1, B2, A, E, folic acid, pantothenic acid. Has pronounced antioxidant properties. Regulates hydrogen transport in many biochemical reactions, improves the use of glucose in the tricarboxylic acid cycle, participates in the formation of tetrahydrofolic acid and tissue regeneration, the synthesis of steroid hormones, collagen, procollagen. Maintains the colloidal state of the intercellular substance and normal capillary permeability (inhibits hyaluronidase). Activates proteolytic enzymes, participates in the metabolism of aromatic amino acids, pigments and cholesterol, promotes the accumulation of glycogen in the liver. Due to the activation of respiratory enzymes in the liver, it enhances its detoxification and protein-forming functions, increases the synthesis of prothrombin. Improves bile secretion, restores exocrine function of the pancreas and endocrine function of the thyroid gland.
Indications for use
Prevention and treatment of hypo- and vitamin C deficiency.
As an aid: hemorrhagic diathesis, nasal, uterine, pulmonary and other bleeding, including those caused by radiation sickness; overdose of anticoagulants, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract accompanied by impaired absorption of vitamin C; injuries.
Conditions accompanied by an increased need for vitamin C: increased physical and mental stress, pregnancy and breastfeeding, recovery period after long-term illnesses.
Contraindications:
Hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, thrombophlebitis, tendency to thrombosis, diabetes mellitus.
Carefully:
Hyperoxaluria, renal failure, hemochromatosis, thalassemia, polycythemia, leukemia, sideroblastic anemia, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, sickle cell anemia, progressive malignant diseases, pregnancy, oxalosis, kidney stones.
Use during pregnancy and breastfeeding
The minimum daily requirement for ascorbic acid in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy is about 60 mg.
The minimum daily requirement during breastfeeding is 80 mg. A maternal diet containing adequate amounts of ascorbic acid is sufficient to prevent vitamin C deficiency in the infant.
During pregnancy and breastfeeding, the recommended dosage of ascorbic acid should not be exceeded.
Directions for use and doses
Inside, after eating. The powder is used to prepare drinks - 1 g (the contents of one sachet sachet) of ascorbic acid powder - per 1 liter of water. The solution is taken freshly prepared, in accordance with the dosages suggested below.
For dosing, it is recommended to use a medical measuring cup.
For prevention: adults 50 mg - 100 mg (50 ml - 100 ml) per day, children over 5 years old 50 mg (50 ml) per day.
For treatment: adults 50 mg - 100 mg (50 ml - 100 ml) 3 - 5 times a day, children from 5 years old 50 mg (50 ml) -100 mg (100 ml) 2 - 3 times a day.
During pregnancy and breastfeeding, 300 mg (300 ml) per day for 10 - 15 days, then 100 mg (100 ml) per day.
For adults, the maximum single dose is 200 mg, daily dose is 1 g; for children – 50 – 100 mg/day.
Note: Medical measuring cup is not included.
Side effects
From the central nervous system (CNS): headache, feeling of fatigue, with prolonged use of large doses - increased excitability of the central nervous system, sleep disturbances.
From the digestive system: irritation of the gastrointestinal mucosa, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps.
From the endocrine system: inhibition of the function of the insular apparatus of the pancreas (hyperglycemia, glycosuria).
From the urinary system: when used in high doses, hyperoxaluria and the formation of urinary stones from calcium oxalate.
From the cardiovascular system: thrombosis, when used in high doses - increased blood pressure, development of microangiopathies, myocardial dystrophy.
Allergic reactions: skin rash, rarely - anaphylactic shock. Laboratory indicators: thrombocytosis, hyperprothrombinemia, erythropenia, neutrophilic leukocytosis, hypokalemia.
Other: hypervitaminosis, feeling of heat, with prolonged use of large doses - sodium and fluid retention, impaired zinc and copper metabolism. If any side effects occur, you should stop taking the drug and consult a doctor.
Overdose
When taking more than 1 g per day, heartburn, diarrhea, difficulty urinating and/or red coloration of urine, hemolysis (in patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency) are possible.
If symptoms of overdose appear, consult a doctor.
Interaction with other drugs
Increases the concentration of benzylpenicillin and tetracyclines in the blood; at a dose of 1 g/day increases the bioavailability of ethinyl estradiol. Improves the absorption of iron preparations in the intestines (converts ferric iron to divalent iron); may increase iron excretion when used concomitantly with deferoxamine.
Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), oral contraceptives, fresh juices and alkaline drinks reduce absorption and absorption. When used simultaneously with ASA, the urinary excretion of ascorbic acid increases and the excretion of ASA decreases. ASA reduces the absorption of ascorbic acid by approximately 30%. Increases the risk of developing crystalluria during treatment with salicylates and short-acting sulfonamides, slows down the excretion of acids by the kidneys, increases the excretion of drugs that have an alkaline reaction (including alkaloids), and reduces the concentration of oral contraceptives in the blood. Increases the overall clearance of ethanol, which, in turn, reduces the concentration of ascorbic acid in the body. Quinoline drugs (fluoroquinolones, etc.), calcium chloride, salicylates, and glucocorticosteroids with long-term use deplete ascorbic acid reserves. When used simultaneously, it reduces the chronotropic effect of isoprenaline. Long-term use or use in high doses may interfere with the disulfiram-ethanol interaction. In high doses, it increases the renal excretion of mexiletine. Barbiturates and primidone increase the excretion of ascorbic acid in the urine.
Reduces the therapeutic effect of antipsychotics (phenothiazine derivatives), tubular reabsorption of amphetamine and tricyclic antidepressants.
Reduces the effectiveness of heparin and indirect anticoagulants.
special instructions
Due to the stimulating effect of ascorbic acid on the synthesis of glucocorticosteroid hormones, it is necessary to monitor kidney function and blood pressure. With long-term use of large doses, inhibition of the function of the pancreatic insular apparatus is possible, so it must be regularly monitored during treatment. In patients with high iron levels in the body, ascorbic acid should be used in minimal doses. Prescribing ascorbic acid to patients with rapidly proliferating and intensively metastasizing tumors can aggravate the process. Ascorbic acid, as a reducing agent, can distort the results of various laboratory tests (blood glucose, bilirubin, transaminase activity, LDH).
Release form
Powder for solution for oral administration 1 g.
1 g in heat-sealable bags made of combined film material or packaging paper with a polymer coating.
3 or 5 packages along with instructions for use are placed in boxed cardboard packs.
It is allowed to place packages with an equal number of instructions in a group package.
The text of the instructions for use may be placed on the pack.
Conditions for dispensing from pharmacies: Without a doctor's prescription.
Storage conditions:
In a dry place, protected from light, at a temperature not exceeding 25°C
Best before date:
3 years. Do not use after expiration date.
Units:
pack
Contraindications
Contraindications to the use of ascorbic acid are individual intolerance to the components of the drug, diabetes mellitus, thrombophlebitis. With caution, the drug should be taken if you have kidney problems, leukemia, malignant tumors and some other diseases.
It is not recommended to exceed the dose of the drug during pregnancy and lactation. During the II-III trimester, the recommended daily dose of ascorbic acid is 60 milligrams, during feeding - 80 milligrams.
What is it prescribed for and in what cases is its use unacceptable?
What do the instructions say about the indications for using the drug “Ascorbic acid” (powder)? According to the annotation, this remedy is prescribed for a lack of vitamin C, hypovitaminosis. It is often found in the following conditions:
- period of active growth in a child;
- pregnancy and lactation;
- insufficient nutrition or diet;
- heavy mental stress and fatigue;
- physical training;
- infectious diseases in acute and chronic form;
- heavy menstruation in women;
- in autumn and winter.
It is contraindicated to use the vitamin in any form if you are hypersensitive. Also, the drug is not prescribed if a person suffers from diabetes and has a tendency to thrombosis or thrombophlebitis. Ascorbic acid in powder is not used if there is an excess of vitamin C, confirmed by laboratory tests. Otherwise, there is a risk of overdose, which is fraught with consequences.
Interaction with other drugs
Vitamin C should not be combined with iron-containing preparations, in cases where iron is necessary to treat a disease (it reduces the effect of iron on the body, reducing its valency), it is not recommended to use with certain antibiotics (tetracycline and penicillin antibiotics), diphenhydramine and aminophylline. When taking medications containing vitamin C for a long time, it is necessary to monitor your blood pressure. Combines well with other antioxidant drugs (flavonoids, carotenes). An excess of vitamin C in the body can cause a lack of copper.
Ascorbic acid powder should be stored in a dry, dark place, the temperature at the storage location should be no more than 25 degrees, the shelf life is two years.
Analogs
Asvitol
It has the same indications for use and the same active ingredient as ascorbic acid powder, but has other forms of release: tablets and chewable tablets in various packaging of 10, 20, 30, and 50 pieces.
, Russia.
The price of the drug varies from 20 rubles. up to 60 rub. Depending on the amount of the drug in the package.
Asvitol is used for both prevention and treatment. Asvitol has age restrictions. The drug can only be taken by adults, 1 or 2 tablets daily.
Pros:
- It is used for both prevention and treatment.
Minuses:
- There are age restrictions.
Ascovit
The drug has indications based on the positive properties of the active substance (ascorbic acid).
Available in plastic cases, with different numbers of tablets, packaging (10, 12 and 14 tablets), 1 case in a cardboard box. Instructions for use are included with the drug.
The drug has two flavors: orange and lemon, produced in the Netherlands by the company Natur Product Europe.
The drug is used daily before meals. Ascovit must first be dissolved in water (one tablet per half glass). For prevention purposes - 500 milligrams per day, and for treatment - the dose of the drug is doubled.
The price of the drug varies from 141 rubles. up to 260 rub.
Pros:
- It is used for both prevention and treatment.
Minuses:
- Many contraindications.
special instructions
Wikipedia states that vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) is an organic compound related to glucose. Its benefits for the human body are enormous - the vitamin functions as a coenzyme for a number of metabolic processes, an antioxidant and a reducing agent.
According to the International Pharmacopoeia, the substance has the form of an almost white or white crystalline powder with a sour taste. Easily soluble in water, soluble in ethanol (approximately 750 g/l) TS, practically insoluble in other organic solvents, the powder is practically insoluble. Belongs to the category of antiscorbutic drugs.
Vitamin C in solution is quickly destroyed by exposure to air; Even in a light-protected place, it gradually collapses in a humid atmosphere. The rate of destruction increases with increasing temperature.
Ascorbic acid is present in all tissues of higher plants and animals. Man, unlike most animals, in the process of evolution due to mutation, has lost the ability to independently synthesize vitamin C, and receives it exclusively from food.
OKPD code for ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is 24.41.51.180. For the food industry, the substance is obtained in accordance with GOST 4815-76.
Quantitative determination of a substance
Methods for quantitative determination of A.c. based on its pronounced restorative properties.
The simplest, objective and accurate method is the determination method based on the ability of A.K. reduce ferric ions into ferrous ions.
The amount of Fe2 ions formed is equimolar to the amount of A.c. in the analyzed sample (the minimum amount of A.C. in the sample is 10 nmol) and is determined by the color reaction with potassium iron sulfide.
What is ascorbic acid needed for?
The substance participates in the processes of biotransformation of other vitamins, the formation of collagen, as well as the formation and exchange of adrenaline and norepinephrine in the adrenal medulla, supplies hydrogen for the formation of nuclear DNA, reduces the body’s need for B vitamins, increases the body’s immunobiological resistance, affects the activity of leukocytes;
Ascorbic acid in urine is an important indicator of the health of the body. A small amount of vitamin C in urine may indicate problems with internal organs or the development of a tumor process. Elevated concentrations of ascorbic acid may indicate an unbalanced diet and the likelihood of kidney stones.
The daily rate of excretion of vitamin C in urine is 0.03 g. When diagnosing this indicator, we can conclude that a person receives a sufficient amount of ascorbic acid, and his body works optimally.
How many calories are in ascorbic acid?
100 grams of product contains 0.1 g of fat, 0.1 g of protein and 95.78 g of carbohydrates. This amount of carbohydrates allows you to compensate for more than a third (namely 35%*) of your daily requirement for them.
*The average nutritional value of products from different sources is given. Data may vary depending on the origin of the product. The value is given for a diet that involves consuming 2 thousand kcal per day.
Calorie content of 100 grams of product is 970 kJ or 231.73 kcal.
Why is ascorbic acid useful in cosmetology?
In cosmetology, ascorbic acid is used in preparations that slow down aging, restore protective functions and accelerate healing.
The easiest way to use vitamin C for hair is to add powder (crushed tablet) or solution to a single portion of shampoo or hair mask. Ascorbic acid should be added to care products immediately before use.
Such simple procedures can restore hair structure, prevent hair loss, and make hair soft and shiny.
For the face, ascorbic acid is most often used in powder. Before the procedure, the powder (or crushed tablets) is mixed with mineral water to form a thick paste. The product is applied to the face for 20 minutes and then washed off.
Daily rubbing with a solution of ascorbic acid diluted with mineral water in a 1:1 ratio is also beneficial for the face. You can also add the solution/powder to homemade masks.
How is ascorbic acid beneficial for athletes?
Vitamin C is a stimulator of muscle mass anabolism, which makes its use in bodybuilding appropriate. In addition, scientists were able to prove that by suppressing the process of peroxidation and cortisol secretion, it also has an anti-catabolic effect. Thus, taking vitamin C before exercise will protect your muscles and slow down protein breakdown.
Read more: B complex of vitamins for children under one year old
Upon completion of a course of anabolic steroids, ascorbic acid is taken as a component of PCT (post-cycle therapy).
Ascorbic acid to induce menstruation
High doses of the vitamin prevent the entry of progesterone into the uterus, so ascorbic acid is often taken when menstruation is delayed.
However, doctors do not advise abusing this method. Firstly, repeated use of ascorbic acid can cause problems with the gastrointestinal tract. Secondly, taking pills can make it difficult to diagnose the causes of menstrual irregularities and further treatment.
Precautionary measures
Too rapid intravenous administration of ascorbic acid solution should be avoided. If long-term use of the drug is necessary, monitoring of blood pressure, renal function, and glucose levels is necessary.
Ascorbic acid alters laboratory test results.
