Ascorbic Acid (vitamin C) is a water-soluble vitamin. It occurs as a white or slightly yellow crystal or powder with a light acidic taste. It is an antiscorbutic product. On exposure to air and light it gradually darkens. In the dry state it is reasonably stable in air, but in solution it rapidly oxidizes. Ascorbic Acid is freely soluble in water; sparingly soluble in alcohol; insoluble in chloroform, ether, and benzene.

The chemical name of Ascorbic Acid is L-ascorbic acid. The molecular formula is C6H806 and the molecular weight is 176.13. The structural formula is as follows:

Structural formula ascorbic acid

Ascorbic Acid injection is a clear, colorless to slightly yellow sterile solution of Ascorbic Acid in Water for Injection, for intravenous, intramuscular or subcutaneous use. Each mL contains: Ascorbic Acid 500 mg, Disodium Edetate 0.25 mg, in Water for Injection q.s.. pH (range 5.5 to 7.0) adjusted with Sodium Bicarbonate and Sodium Hydroxide. Contains no preservatives.

In humans, an exogenous source of ascorbic acid is required for collagen formulation and tissue repair. Ascorbic acid is reversibly oxidized to dehydroascorbic acid in the body. These two forms of the vitamin are believed to be important in oxidation-reduction reactions. The vitamin is involved in tyrosine metabolism, conversion of folic acid to folinic acid, carbohydrate metabolism, synthesis of lipids and proteins, iron metabolism, resistance to infections, and cellular respiration.

Ascorbic acid deficiency results in scurvy. Collagenous structures are primarily affected, lesions develop in bones and blood vessels. Administration of ascorbic acid completely reverses the symptoms of ascorbic acid deficiency.

Ascorbic acid is recommended for the prevention and treatment of scurvy. Its parenteral administration is desirable for patients with an acute deficiency or for those whose absorption of orally ingested ascorbic acid is uncertain.

Symptoms of mild deficiency may include faulty bone and tooth development, gingivitis, bleeding gums, and loosened teeth. Febril states, chronic illness, and infection (pneumonia, whooping cough, tuberculosis, diphtheria, sinusitis, rheumatic fever, etc.) increases the need for ascorbic acid. Hemovascular disorders, burns, delayed fracture and wound healing are indications for an increase in the daily intake.

There are no contraindications to the administration of ascorbic acid

Transient mild soreness may occur at the site of intramuscular or subcutaneous injection. Too-rapid intravenous administration of the solution may cause temporary faintness or dizziness.

Ascorbic acid is usually administered orally. When oral administration is not feasible or when malabsorption is suspected, the drug may be administered intramuscularly, intravenously or subcutaneously. When given parenterally, utilization of the vitamin reportedly is best after IM administration, which is the preferred parenteral route.

For intravenous injection, dilution into a large volume parenteral such as Normal Saline or Glucose is recommended to minimize the adverse reactions associated with intravenous injection.

The average protective dose of ascorbic acid for adults is 70 to 150 mg daily. In the presence of scurvy, doses of 300 mg to 1 gram daily are recommended. However, as much as 6 grams have been administered parenterally to normal adults without evidence of toxicity.

To enhance wound-healing, doses of 300 to 500 mg daily for a week to ten days, both preoperatively and postoperatively, are generally considered adequate, although considerably larger amounts have been recommended. In the treatment of burns, doses are governed by the extent of tissue injury. For severe burns, daily doses of 1 to 2 grams are recommended. In other conditions in which the need for ascorbic acid is increased, three to five times the daily optimum allowances appear to be adequate.

WARNING

PRESSURE MAY DEVELOP WITHIN THE VIAL UPON STORAGE.

Exercise care when withdrawing and/or relieve pressure by first inserting sterile empty syringe into vial thus allowing pressure to equilibrate.

When using dispensing vials use aseptic technique. Dispense entire contents in aliquots under a laminar flow hood without delay or within 4 hours after entry or discard remaining content after first withdrawal. Prepare stoppers with a suitable antiseptic solution. Do not use unless solution is clear and seal is intact.

Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever the solution and container permit.

Ascorbic Acid for Injection, USP (500 mg/mL)

NDC 71414-115-01
50 mL Sterile Dispensing Vial, individually packaged
RX only

PROTECT FROM LIGHT.
STORE IN CARTON UNTIL TIME OF USE:
Store between 2° to 8° C (36° to 46° F).