Classification Name of Drug

Action

Dosage

Adverse effect

Indication

Contraindication

Nursing Consideration

Ascorbic acid

Vitamin C

Needed for 500 mg 1 tab wound OD per orem healing, collagen synthesis, antioxidant , carbohydra te metabolism , protein, lipid synthesis, prevention of infection.

GI: Nausea, vomiting, heartburn, diarrhea. Hematologic: Acute hemolytic anemia (patients with deficiency of G6PD); sickle cell crisis. CNS: Headache (high doses). Urogenital: Urethritis, dysuria, crystalluria (high doses). Other: Mild soreness at injection site; dizziness and temporary faintness with rapid IV administration.

Assessment & Drug Effects Prophylaxis and treatment of scurvy and as a dietary supplemen t. Increases protection mechanism of the immune system, thus supporting wound healing. Necessary for wound healing and resistance to infection. Use of sodium ascorbate in patients on sodium restriction; use of calcium ascorbate in patients receiving digitalis. Safety during pregnancy (category C) or lactation is not established.

Lab tests: Periodic Hct & Hgb, serum electrolytes. Monitor for S&S of acute hemolytic anemia, sickle cell crisis.

Patient & Family Education Take large doses of vitamin C in divided amounts because the body uses only what is needed at a particular time and excretes the rest in urine.

Megadoses can interfere with absorption of vitamin B12.

Note: Vitamin C increases the absorption of iron when taken at the same time as iron-rich foods.