Ascorbic Acid (Ascorbic Acid) - Description and Clinical Pharmacology

FOR INTRAVENOUS, INTRAMUSCULAR OR SUBCUTANEOUS USE.

CONTAINS NO PRESERVATIVES.

DESCRIPTION

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:

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 0.25mg, Sodium Hydroxide 110mg, in Water for Injection q.s. pH (range 5.5-7.0) adjusted with Sodium Bicarbonate and Sodium Hydroxide. Contains no preservatives.

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

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.