Risks of vitamin C drug interactions

Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that has extremely strong antioxidant properties and is very famous for its effect on strengthening the immune system. This vitamin was discovered in 1928 in orange fruit. Another name of vitamin C is ascorbic acid. Sour fruits and citrus fruits are a rich source of vitamin C. This vitamin prevents the damage of free radicals to the body, helps to build collagen, increases the absorption of iron in the body and has many other properties. You can find vitamin C in the form of tablets, capsules and effervescent tablets in pharmacies. We will examine the drug interaction of vitamin C in this article.

What is vitamin C pill good for?

It is rare that someone has not purchased effervescent vitamin C tablets in their lifetime. Of course, you can also find vitamin C supplements in the form of tablets, capsules, and chewable tablets at the pharmacy. Vitamin C is used for the following reasons:

• It strengthens the immune system.
• It helps in the growth and repair of all body tissues, including skin, ligaments, tendons, joint tissue and blood vessels.
• It increases iron absorption by 4 times.
• It plays a role in the biosynthesis of some substances such as protein and increases energy.
• It helps to build collagen and is effective in maintaining skin health.
• Having an antioxidant role, it is effective in preventing cardiovascular diseases and cancer.
• It reduces the risk of cataracts.

How do we know if we have vitamin C deficiency?

Before examining the drug interaction of vitamin C, it is better to first examine the symptoms of vitamin C deficiency in the body. You may be deficient in this nutrient by having the following symptoms:

• Weakness of the immune system and constant poisoning
• Bleeding from the gums
• Constant feeling of weakness and fatigue
• Bruising of the skin
• Small red spots on the skin
• Dry and damaged skin

Drug interaction of vitamin C

You should not use vitamin C tablets if you are being treated with any of the following medications:

Aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Both aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can lower vitamin C levels in the body because they cause more vitamin C to be excreted in the urine. In addition, high doses of vitamin C can cause more of these drugs to remain in the body and increase their levels in the blood. If you regularly take aspirin or NSAIDs, consult your doctor before taking high doses of vitamin C.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

High doses of vitamin C may decrease the amount of acetaminophen excreted in the urine, which can increase blood levels of the drug.

Barbiturates

Barbiturates can reduce the effects of vitamin C in the body. These drugs include:

• Phenobarbital (luminal)
• pentobarbital (nembutal)
• Seconobarbital (Sconal)

Chemotherapy drugs

Drug interaction of vitamin C with chemotherapy drugs can also be. Vitamin C as an antioxidant may interfere with the effects of some chemotherapy drugs. Of course, be careful that some research also shows that vitamin C may make the effects of chemotherapy drugs more effective. Therefore, opinions differ in this regard. We recommend that you do not use vitamin C in supplement form without consulting your oncologist if you are undergoing chemotherapy.

Nitrate drugs for heart disease

The combination of vitamin C with nitroglycerin, isosorbide dinitrate or isosorbide mononitrate (Ismo) makes these drugs not have the desired effect in the body. If you are taking nitrate medications, consult your doctor before using vitamin C supplements.

Birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy (HRT)

Vitamin C can increase estrogen levels when taken with these drugs. Especially if you have vitamin C deficiency at the beginning of taking these drugs. Oral estrogens can also reduce the effects of vitamin C in the body.

Protease inhibitors

Drug interaction of vitamin C with protease inhibitors may also occur. Indinavir Crixivan is a drug used to treat HIV and AIDS. Vitamin C may decrease the level of this drug in the body.

Tetracycline

Tetracycline is a type of antibiotic. Taking vitamin C together with tetracycline may increase the level of this drug in the body. In this case, the level of vitamin C in the body may decrease. This interaction may occur with other antibiotics such as minocycline (Minocin) and doxycycline (Vibramycin).

warfarin

Warfarin (Coumadin) is a blood thinner. Reports show that in a few cases, vitamin C may affect the effectiveness of warfarin. Of course, this issue has not been confirmed in the latest studies. However, if you are taking warfarin or other blood thinning medication, consult your doctor before taking vitamin C.

Side effects of vitamin C tablets

We described the drug interaction of vitamin C. No matter how much you eat foods containing vitamin C, there will be no special side effect. But consuming too much vitamin C through food supplements can have side effects. It is normal to consume vitamin C in adults up to 2000 mg per day. But higher amounts increase the risk of side effects. These complications are often gastrointestinal. Other side effects of excessive consumption of vitamin C tablets are as follows:

• diarrhea
• nausea
• stomach cramps
• flatulence
• Stomach ache

Be aware that the body does not absorb all the vitamin C it receives from supplements. For example, if a person consumes 30-180 mg of vitamin C daily, his body will absorb about 70-90% of it. Often, the excess amount of vitamin C is excreted from the body through urine and does not cause any complications.

Who is more deficient in vitamin C?

Vitamin C deficiency is more common in the following people:

• smokers
• People who often consume processed foods
• Bodybuilders and athletes with heavy sports training
• People with high levels of stress
• Pregnant women with high blood pressure
• Renal and cardiovascular patients
• Users of contraceptives and asthma
• cancer patients
• People with severe digestive problems.

Table of recommended daily intake of vitamin C

Buy vitamin C tablets

In this article, we explained the drug interactions of vitamin C. Vitamin C is one of the most well-known nutrients for strengthening the immune system. You can find this vitamin in abundance in many foods, including citrus fruits and fruits such as strawberries and vegetables such as bell peppers and broccoli. But if you have symptoms of vitamin deficiency, it is better to buy it from the pharmacy. You can buy all vitamins online from Positive Green Pharmacy and have them delivered to your home in the shortest possible time.