Vitamin C + Vitamin E
Indications
The active ingredients of Vitamin C and Vitamin E have been linked with reduced risks of cardiovascular diseases in human. Concurrent intake of Vitamin E and Vitamin C suggests that their action may be synergistic.
Pharmacology
Vitamin C: Necessary for collagen formation and tissue repair; plays a role in oxidation/reduction reactions as well as other metabolic pathways including synthesis of catecholamines, carnitine, and steroids; also plays a role in conversion of folic acid to folinic acid.
Vitamin E plays a role in protecting red blood cells against hemolysis; has protective effects against free radicals on polyunsaturated fatty acids found in cell membranes; plays a role in preventing oxidation of vitamin A and C.
Vitamin E plays a role in protecting red blood cells against hemolysis; has protective effects against free radicals on polyunsaturated fatty acids found in cell membranes; plays a role in preventing oxidation of vitamin A and C.
Dosage & Administration
Vitamin C & E capsule is administered orally. The adult dose is 1 capsule daily or as directed by the registered physician.
Interaction
Vitamin C is incompatible in solution with Aminophylline, Bleomycin, Erythromycin, Lactobionate, Nafcillin, Nitrofurantoin Sodium, Conjugated oestrogens, Sodium bicarbonate, Salphafurazole diethanolamine, Chloramphenicol sodium succinate, Chlorthiazide sodium and Hydrocortisone sodium succinate. It increases the apparent half life of Paracetamol and enhances iron absorption from the gastrointestinal tract. No potentially useful drug Interaction with Vitamin E has been described. However, high doses of Vitamin E can impair intestinal absorption of Vitamin A and K.
Contraindications
Vitamin C in megadoses has been contra-indicated for patients with hyperoxaluria. A pregnant woman taking more than 5 gm daily ascorbate may suffer from fetal abortion. Higher doses of Vitamin C have reported to cause failure of conception. In case of Vitamin E, there is no absolute contra-indication.
Side Effects
Vitamin C is usually well tolerated. Large doses are reported to cause diarrhea and other gastrointestinal disturbances. Vitamin E is usually well tolerated. Large doses may cause diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, and other gastrointestinal disturbances, and have also been reported to cause fatigue and weakness.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category A. Adequate and well-controlled human studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus in the first trimester of pregnancy (and there is no evidence of risk in later trimesters).
Precautions & Warnings
Vitamin C should be given with care to patient with hyperoxaluria. In patients taking oral anticoagulants or oestrogens Vitamin E should be given carefully because it has been found to antagonize the effects of Vitamin K leading to an increase in blood clotting time in these patients.
Therapeutic Class
Anti-oxidant Multivitamin preparations, Specific combined vitamin preparations
Storage Conditions
Keep below 30°C temperature, away from light & moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.
