Vitamin C

Question 1

What is vit. C used for?

Answer 1

• Essential for synthesis and maintenance of collagen
• Helps maintain immune system for improved wound healing
• Megadoses may reduce severity of common cold

Question 2

deficiency

Answer 2

scuvy

Question 3

Off-label use

Answer 3

Preventing & treating cancer

Question 4

Pregnancy Category

Answer 4

Pregnancy Category C (>RDA values)

Question 5

Contraindications

Answer 5

• Sodium/calcium ascorbate, patients w/ sodium/calcium restrictions
• Large doses should be avoided in G6PD deficiency, hemochromatosis, thallasemia, sickle cell anemia, gout, kidney stones

Question 6

Drug Interactions

Answer 6

• ASA inhibit uptake by cells, vit. C decreases eliminatiion of ASA
• Decreased effects of anticoagulants
• Increases absorption of iron

Question 7

Adverse Effects

Answer 7

• Large doses may cause nausea, vomiting, heartburn, diarrhea
• Headache
• Hyperuricemia

Question 8

Severe Adverse Effects

Answer 8

Acute hemolytic anemia