Vitamin C is a very popular thing among many people these days. Even if you have a cold or feel like you're not feeling well, some people pop a Vitamin C pill or two in their mouths. We've all heard that it's good for our immune system. But there are some important things you should know about these chewable Vitamin C pills that we use all the time. Like everything else, it's best to use it properly and consciously. Let's talk about that today.
What is Vitamin C? Why is it important to us?
Simply put, Vitamin C, or in medical terms, Ascorbic Acid, is essential for our body to stay healthy. These pills are used to prevent and treat low levels of Vitamin C in your body.
There are several benefits of Vitamin C for our body:
- Strengthens the immune system: Increases resistance to disease.
- Keeps blood vessels and bones healthy: This is very important for the health of the blood vessel system and bones inside our body.
- Helps wounds heal: Vitamin C helps speed up the healing process when a wound occurs.
- Acts as an antioxidant: This may sound like a complicated word, but the meaning is very simple. Antioxidants act like a shield that prevents damage to the cells in our body.
So Vitamin C helps us with many things like this.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Although Vitamin C is a common supplement, people with certain health conditions should be careful when using it. Therefore, if you have any of the conditions listed below, be sure to tell your doctor before starting this supplement. This is very important.
| Health condition or opportunity | Why should you inform the doctor? |
|---|---|
| Anemia | Caution should be exercised when using Vitamin C in certain types of anemia. |
| Diabetes | Taking high doses of Vitamin C can cause false results in urine glucose tests. |
| G6PD deficiency (Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency) | This is a genetic condition. People with this condition can damage their red blood cells if they take too much vitamin C. |
| Kidney stones | Taking too much vitamin C may increase the risk of kidney stones. |
| Low sodium diet | Some Vitamin C pills may contain sodium, so it's important to tell your doctor about this. |
| Allergies | Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any allergies to vitamin C (ascorbic acid), certain artificial colors (e.g. tartrazine), other medications, or foods. |
| Being pregnant or breastfeeding | If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding, you should always ask your doctor before taking any medication. |
How exactly do you use these pills?
This is very simple, but very important.
- Chew well: Since this is a chewable tablet, it should be chewed thoroughly and swallowed whole before swallowing . Otherwise, do not swallow it all at once.
- With or without food: These tablets can be taken before or after meals. However, if you experience stomach upset or heartburn, it is best to take them with food.
- Take it on time: Take the medicine at the right time, as prescribed by the doctor. Do not take more than the prescribed dose.
- If giving to children: If giving this medicine to children, talk to your doctor about it. In some cases, these are prescribed for children, but there are some things to be careful about.
Overdose
Imagine you have taken too much of this medicine. If that happens , don't panic, but act quickly . Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Important: This medicine is for you only. Never share your medicine with others. Even if someone needs Vitamin C, only a doctor can know if it is appropriate for that person's health condition.
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 two doses at once. This can cause side effects.
Things to keep in mind when using this medicine
- Good Diet: Don't stop eating a good, balanced diet just because you're taking a vitamin pill. Pills are never a substitute for a good diet. Citrus fruits like oranges, tangerines, and limes, fish, peppers, broccoli, cabbage, and tomatoes naturally contain vitamin C.
- If you have diabetes: As we mentioned earlier, if you are taking a urine test for diabetes, high doses of Vitamin C may alter the results. So talk to your doctor about this.
- Take care of your teeth: Since these are chewable, be sure to brush your teeth thoroughly after using them. Otherwise, they can cause tooth decay.
What are the possible side effects?
Most people don't experience any major side effects from Vitamin C. However, it's important to be aware of the possible side effects.
| Type of side effect | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Kidney stones | Blood in the urine, pain or difficulty urinating, back or pelvic pain. |
| Things to tell your doctor if they persist or are bothersome | |
| Common side effects | Diarrhea, heartburn, nausea, stomach pain. |
How to store medicine?
- Keep away from children: These are sweet and may tempt children to eat them. So keep them out of their reach.
- Suitable temperature: Store at room temperature (between 15-30 degrees Celsius). Avoid places with high heat and humidity.
- Expiration date: Discard expired medication without using it.
Take-Home Message
- Vitamin C chewable tablets should be chewed thoroughly before swallowing.
- If you have other medical conditions, such as diabetes, kidney stones, or G6PD deficiency, be sure to tell your doctor before taking this medication.
- If you accidentally take too much medicine, immediately go to the National Poisons Information Centre or the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU).
- Even if you take vitamin pills, it is essential to eat a balanced, nutritious diet.
- Since these are sweet-tasting pills, don't forget to brush your teeth after using them.
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