Vitamin C is a very popular thing among many people these days. Even if you have a cold, feel weak, or want to boost your immunity, some people rush to take a
Vitamin C pill. Although you might think this is normal because you can easily get it from a pharmacy, Vitamin C pills are actually a medicine. So there are a few things we should definitely be careful about when using this. Let's talk about it today.
What is Vitamin C? Why do we need it?
Simply put, Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid in chemical terms, is a medicine that is given to prevent and treat low levels of Vitamin C in our body. It helps in many important functions in our body. Think about it, Vitamin C is essential for keeping our blood vessels (blood vessels), bones (bones), and
immune system (our army that fights diseases) healthy. Not only that, it also helps in healing wounds quickly. Vitamin C is a powerful
antioxidant . That is, it helps protect cells in our body by preventing damage, like rusting iron.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before you start using Vitamin C pills, you
should definitely tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions. This is very important.
| Your medical condition | Why should you inform? |
|---|
| Anemia | Because Vitamin C increases the body's absorption of iron, it can help with some anemia conditions. |
| Diabetes | Very high doses of Vitamin C can affect tests that check for sugar levels in urine. |
| G6PD deficiency (Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency) | This is a genetic condition involving red blood cells. High doses of Vitamin C can be harmful to some people. |
| Kidney stones | Taking too much vitamin C may increase the risk of developing kidney stones in some people. |
| Eating a low-sodium diet | Some Vitamin C tablets (especially the soluble types) may contain sodium. |
| Any type of allergy | You should inform your doctor if you are allergic to vitamin C (ascorbic acid) or any other ingredients in the pills (e.g., coloring agents such as tartrazine). |
| Being pregnant or trying to get pregnant/breastfeeding | During these times, it is imperative to seek medical advice before taking any medication. |
Okay, how exactly do you use this medicine?
Using this medicine is very simple, but keep these points in mind.
- Swallow this pill with a glass of water.
- Use the medicine exactly as directed on the package or in the instructions provided by your doctor.
- This can be taken before or after meals, but if you experience stomach upset, it is best to take it with food.
- Make a habit of taking it at the same time every day, at the same time every day. Do not take more than the doctor tells you to.
- If giving to children: If giving this medicine to children, talk to your doctor about it. Although doctors sometimes recommend it to children, there are some things to be careful about.
Attention: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine by mistake, immediately contact the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital. Or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital. This medicine has been prescribed for you only, do not share it with others.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a missed dose at the
same time.Do not take two doses of medicine at once.
Other medications that may interact with Vitamin C
If you are taking other medications, you should also be careful. Vitamin C can interact with these medications in particular:
This list is not complete. Therefore, give your doctor a complete list of all the medications you take (including vitamins, herbs, and supplements). Also, tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, Vitamin C can cause side effects in some people. Let's break them down into two categories.
Side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately
| Side effect | Symptoms |
|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Kidney stones | Blood in the urine, pain or difficulty urinating, pain in the lower back or groin. |
Side effects that are usually not dangerous, but should be reported
to the doctor if they persist
| Diarrhea | Passing watery stools several times a day. |
| Heartburn | A burning sensation in the middle of the chest. |
| Nausea | Feeling like vomiting. |
| Upset stomach | General stomach discomfort. |
If you experience any other side effects not mentioned in this list, seek medical advice.
How do you keep your medicine safe?
- Keep away from children.
- Store at normal room temperature, between 15-30 degrees Celsius (59-86 Fahrenheit), or as directed on the package.
- Keep away from heat and moisture. Therefore, it is not a good idea to keep medication in places like the bathroom.
- Throw away any medicine left after the expiration date.
Take-Home Message
- Vitamin C is not just a supplement, it is a medicine. So always use it only as directed by your doctor or on the label.
- Before you start taking Vitamin C, be sure to tell your doctor about any other medical conditions you have and any other medications you are taking.
- Eating a well-balanced diet is much more important than taking vitamin pills . Try to get your vitamin C from natural foods like lemons, oranges, grapefruit, guava, fish chilies , cabbage, and tomatoes .
- If you experience any serious side effects, such as signs of an allergy or kidney stones, see a doctor immediately.
- If you accidentally take too much medicine, call the National Poisons Information Centre or go to the nearest ETU.
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