Ascorbic acid is found in citrus fruit, tomatoes, potatoes, and leafy vegetables. Ascorbic acid is important for the skin and connective tissues, for normal chemical and hormonal production, and for the immune system.

Ascorbic acid is used to treat and prevent vitamin C deficiency.

Ascorbic acid may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Take ascorbic acid exactly as directed by your doctor or as directed on the package. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Swallow each nonchewable dose (tablets and capsules) with a full glass of water.

Chew the chewable forms of ascorbic acid well before swallowing.

Use a dropper, a dose-measuring spoon, or a dose-measuring cup to measure liquid doses of ascorbic acid. Shake suspensions well before measuring a dose.

Measure and mix the powder and crystal forms of ascorbic acid as directed. Drink all of the mixture immediately after mixing.

Allow the lozenges to dissolve completely in your mouth.

Do not take more ascorbic acid than is prescribed for you or than is directed on the package.

Store ascorbic acid at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Talk to your doctor before taking ascorbic acid if you are taking any of the following medicines

• an estrogen such as Premarin, Ogen, Estratest, Vivelle, Climara, Estring, Estrace, and others;

• an oral birth control pill such as Alesse, Levlen, Ovral, Triphasil, Tri-Levlen, Lo-Ovral, and others; or

• warfarin (Coumadin).

You may not be able to take ascorbic acid, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.

It is not known whether other drugs will interact with ascorbic acid. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines or herbal/health supplements.

There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activities while you are taking ascorbic acid unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

An overdose of ascorbic acid is not likely to be dangerous. If you suspect and overdose, call a doctor or a poison control center for advice.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. It is not necessary to take a double dose.

Do not take more ascorbic acid than is prescribed for you or than is directed on the package.

Before taking ascorbic acid, tell your doctor or talk to your pharmacist if you:

• have diabetes,

• have kidney disease or an increased risk of kidney stone formation,

• have a tartrazine sensitivity,

• have a sulfite sensitivity,

• are on a sodium restricted diet,

• are undergoing testing of the stool for blood, or

• are taking warfarin (Coumadin).

You may not be able to take ascorbic acid, or you may require special monitoring if you have any of the conditions or are taking any of the medicines listed above.

Ascorbic acid is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether ascorbic acid will harm an unborn baby. Some ascorbic acid is important for the normal development of a baby, however it is not known whether large doses or prolonged use of ascorbic acid could be harmful. Do not take ascorbic acid without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

Ascorbic acid passes into breast milk. Do not take ascorbic acid without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding.

Your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider may have more information about ascorbic acid.