Uses

Ascorbate calcium is a form of vitamin C that is used to prevent or treat low levels of vitamin C in people who do not get enough of the vitamin from their diets. This product also contains calcium. Most people who eat a normal diet do not need extra vitamin C. Low levels of vitamin C can result in a condition called scurvy. Scurvy may cause symptoms such as rash, muscle weakness, joint pain, tiredness, or tooth loss.Vitamin C plays an important role in the body. It is needed to maintain the health of skin, cartilage, teeth, bone, and blood vessels. It is also used to protect your body's cells from damage. It is known as an antioxidant.

How to use Ester-C Tablet

Take this product by mouth with food, usually 1 to 2 times daily. Follow all directions on the product package, or take as directed by your doctor. Take this product with a full glass of water (8 ounces/240 milliliters) unless your doctor directs you otherwise.

If you are taking the chewable tablets, chew them thoroughly and then swallow. If you are taking the sustained-release tablets, swallow the medication whole. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablets. If you are taking the powder, mix it thoroughly in the proper amount of liquid and stir well. Drink all of the liquid right away. Do not prepare a supply for future use.

Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

Use this product regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day.

If you think you may have a serious medical problem, get medical help right away.

Side Effects

Diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps/pain, or heartburn may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

If your doctor has directed you to use this product, remember that your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this product do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: painful urination, pink/bloody urine.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

Before taking ascorbate calcium, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease (such as kidney stones), a certain enzyme deficiency (G6PD deficiency), high calcium levels (hypercalcemia).

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

During pregnancy, vitamin C has been found to be safe when used in recommended doses. Higher doses should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

Vitamin C passes into breast milk and is considered to be safe during breast-feeding when used in recommended doses. Consult your doctor for more information.

Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

The calcium in this product can interfere with your body's ability to absorb certain drugs, especially if you take them around the same time. These drugs include quinolone antibiotics (such as ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin), tetracycline antibiotics (such as doxycycline, minocycline), thyroid medications (such as levothyroxine), and drugs for osteoporosis (bisphosphonates such as alendronate). Ask your doctor or pharmacist how long to wait between doses and when you should take your medications.

Check the labels on all your medicines and vitamins because they may also contain vitamin C and/or calcium. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely.

This medication may interfere with certain lab tests (such as certain urine glucose tests), possibly causing false test results. Make sure lab personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

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Overdose

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Notes Notes

Keep all medical and lab appointments.

This product is not a substitute for a proper diet. It is best to get your vitamins from healthy foods. Vitamin C is commonly found in citrus fruit (such as oranges), tomatoes, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and broccoli, among others. Consult your doctor, pharmacist, or nutritionist for more details.

Missed Dose Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage Storage

Different brands of this vitamin have different storage needs. Check the product package for instructions on how to store your brand, or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

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Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.

CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.