Drug reference

Ascorbic acid

Vitamin · Nutritional Supplement

Also known as Ascorbate

VitaminNutritional SupplementATC A11GA01

CDSCO approvedSchedule HATC A11GA01

EXCRETION

—

not curated

INTERACTIONS

1 major

incl. contraindicated

PREGNANCY

Manufacturer advises use only if essential—

FDA category + note

Top interactionssee all 2 →

AminophyllineContraindicatedTextbookKDT 7e · p227

Mechanism

Ascorbic acid functions as a cofactor for dopamine beta-hydroxylase, an enzyme involved in catecholamine synthesis. It also enhances the absorption of iron from the gastrointestinal tract.

Indications

Bowel cleansing (as a component of combination products)To aid absorption of ironAs a component in vitamin B preparationsPrevention of ascorbic acid deficiency (e.g., in malnourished infants, children, elderly, alcoholics, drug addicts)Treatment of scurvyPostoperatively (to guard against suboptimal healing, accelerate healing of bedsores and chronic leg ulcers)Anaemia (enhances iron absorption and corrects anaemia of scurvy)To acidify urine in urinary tract infections

Dosing

Adult: l INDICATIONS AND DOSE MOVIPREP ® Bowel cleansing [before any procedure requiring a clean bowel] ▶ BY MOUTH ▶ Adult: 1 litre daily for 2 doses; ﬁrst dose of reconstituted solution taken on the evening before procedure and the second dose on the morning of procedure, alternatively 2 litres daily for 1 dose; reconstituted solution to be taken on the evening before the procedure, or on the morning of…
Pediatric: Prevention in infants: 50–100 mg/day.

Pharmacokinetics

Protein binding

Plasma concentration and total body store of vitamin C is related to daily intake. Body is not able to store more than 2.5 g.

Metabolism

Nearly completely absorbed from g.i.t. and widely distributed extra- and intracellularly. Partly oxidized to active (dehydroascorbic acid) and inactive (oxalic acid) metabolites.

Excretion

Increasing proportions are excreted in urine with higher intakes. Partly oxidized to active (dehydroascorbic acid) and inactive (oxalic acid) metabolites.