Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For oral dosage form (capsules, tablets, oral solution, syrup):
    • To prevent deficiency, the amount taken by mouth is based on normal daily recommended intakes:

      For the U.S.

      • Adult and teenage males—50 to 60 milligrams (mg) per day.
      • Adult and teenage females—50 to 60 mg per day.
      • Pregnant females—70 mg per day.
      • Breast-feeding females—90 to 95 mg per day.
      • Smokers—100 mg per day.
      • Children 4 to 10 years of age—45 mg per day.
      • Children birth to 3 years of age—30 to 40 mg per day.

      For Canada

      • Adult and teenage males—25 to 40 mg per day.
      • Adult and teenage females—25 to 30 mg per day.
      • Pregnant females—30 to 40 mg per day.
      • Breast-feeding females—55 mg per day.
      • Smokers—45 to 60 mg per day.
      • Children 4 to 10 years of age—25 mg per day.
      • Children birth to 3 years of age—20 mg per day.
    • To treat deficiency:
      • Adults and teenagers—Treatment dose is determined by prescriber for each individual based on the severity of deficiency. The following dose has been determined for scurvy: 500 mg a day for at least 2 weeks.
      • Children—Treatment dose is determined by prescriber for each individual based on the severity of deficiency. The following dose has been determined for scurvy: 100 to 300 mg a day for at least 2 weeks.

For those individuals taking the oral liquid form of vitamin C:

  • This preparation is to be taken by mouth even though it comes in a dropper bottle.
  • This dietary supplement may be dropped directly into the mouth or mixed with cereal, fruit juice, or other food.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

If you miss taking a vitamin for one or more days there is no cause for concern, since it takes some time for your body to become seriously low in vitamins.

Storage

Store the dietary supplement in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

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Portions of this document last updated: Feb. 01, 2024

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