Asvit 500mg Tab

Description

Asvit 500mg Tablet is primarily a Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) supplement with a strength of 500mg. It’s manufactured by companies like Lomus Pharmaceutical Pvt. Ltd. in Nepal, and similar products are widely available globally.

Product Overview

Active Ingredient:

• Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) 500mg: This is the primary active ingredient.

What is Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)? Vitamin C is an essential water-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in numerous bodily functions. It cannot be produced by the body and must be obtained from diet or supplements.

Mechanism of Action: Vitamin C acts as:

• A powerful antioxidant: It helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can contribute to aging and various diseases.
• A co-factor for enzyme reactions: It is essential for the synthesis of collagen (a protein vital for skin, bones, cartilage, and blood vessels), L-carnitine, and neurotransmitters.
• Immune booster: It supports various cellular functions of both the innate and adaptive immune systems, enhancing the body’s ability to fight infections.
• Iron absorption enhancer: It improves the absorption of non-heme iron (iron from plant-based foods) in the gut.

Key Uses: Asvit 500mg Tablet is commonly used for:

1. Treatment and Prevention of Vitamin C Deficiency (Scurvy): Scurvy is a disease caused by severe Vitamin C deficiency, characterized by fatigue, gum swelling, joint pain, easy bruising, poor wound healing, and even tooth loss.
2. Immunity Boosting: It is widely used to strengthen the immune system, especially during periods of increased infection risk (e.g., common cold, flu season).
3. Antioxidant Support: To protect cells from oxidative stress and reduce cellular damage.
4. Wound Healing: Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis, which is critical for the repair of skin, tissues, and bones after injuries, surgery, or burns.
5. Anemia (Iron Deficiency): By enhancing iron absorption, it can be used as an adjunct therapy in iron deficiency anemia, particularly when iron is consumed from plant-based sources.
6. Oral Health: Helps maintain healthy gums and teeth, and can be used in conditions like gum diseases (pyorrhea) and dental caries.
7. Skin Health: Contributes to healthy skin by supporting collagen production and acting as an antioxidant.
8. Certain Other Conditions: It may be indicated in conditions like stress, infections, trauma, exposure to cold, and as a supportive measure in some chronic diseases.

Side Effects

Asvit 500mg Tablet is generally safe and well-tolerated, especially at recommended doses. Since Vitamin C is water-soluble, excess amounts are usually excreted in the urine. However, high doses can lead to side effects:

Common Side Effects (usually mild, especially with doses exceeding 1g-2g per day):

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stomach cramps/abdominal pain
• Heartburn
• Flushing or redness of the skin
• Headache

Less Common / Potentially More Serious Side Effects (rare but possible with very high or prolonged doses):

• Kidney Stones: In individuals prone to kidney stones (especially oxalate stones), very high doses of Vitamin C (typically >1g/day over long periods) can increase the risk of oxalate crystal precipitation in the kidneys.
• Increased Iron Absorption: While generally beneficial, in individuals with conditions like hemochromatosis (a genetic disorder causing excessive iron accumulation), very high doses could exacerbate iron overload.
• False Lab Test Results: High doses of Vitamin C can interfere with certain lab tests, such as urine glucose tests (may cause false-negative readings) and occult blood tests in stool (may cause false-negative results). Inform your doctor if you are taking high-dose Vitamin C before these tests.
• Faintness or dizziness: May occur with rapid IV administration, but less common with oral tablets.
• Rebound Scurvy: Abruptly stopping very high doses of Vitamin C could rarely lead to temporary rebound scurvy symptoms.

Precautions

Before taking Asvit 500mg Tablet, consider the following:

1. Allergies: Do not take if you are allergic to ascorbic acid or any other ingredients in the tablet.
2. Kidney Issues: Use with caution if you have a history of kidney stones or kidney disease, as high doses of Vitamin C can increase the risk of oxalate stones or aluminum absorption in kidney failure patients.
3. Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) Deficiency: In individuals with this genetic disorder, very high doses of Vitamin C could potentially lead to hemolytic anemia.
4. Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Vitamin C is essential during pregnancy and breastfeeding. However, it’s crucial to stick to recommended daily allowances or doses prescribed by your doctor. Higher doses should only be used if clearly needed and advised by a healthcare professional.
5. Diabetes: Large doses of Vitamin C can interfere with urine glucose tests, leading to false readings. Diabetics should be aware of this and inform their doctor.
6. Smoking: Smokers have a higher utilization of Vitamin C, so their daily requirement may be higher. However, discuss appropriate dosage with a doctor.
7. Interactions with Medications:
   • Deferroxamine: Used to treat iron overload; Vitamin C can enhance its effects.
   • Hormonal Contraceptives: May lower Vitamin C levels.
   • Warfarin (blood thinner): Some conflicting reports, but generally, Vitamin C 500mg is not expected to significantly interact. However, always inform your doctor about all supplements you take.
   • Elemental Iron supplements: Vitamin C enhances the absorption of iron. This is often beneficial but should be considered if managing iron levels.
   • Salicylates (e.g., Aspirin): May increase Vitamin C excretion.
   • Vitamin B12: High doses of Vitamin C taken at the same time might potentially interfere with Vitamin B12 absorption, although this effect is generally minor if there’s a time gap.
   • Certain Antacids (aluminum-containing): Can increase aluminum absorption, which can be a concern for kidney patients.
8. Lab Tests: Inform your doctor or lab personnel if you are taking Asvit 500mg Tablet, as it can interfere with certain blood and urine tests.

Prescription Information

• Availability: Asvit 500mg Tablet is widely available over-the-counter in pharmacies in Nepal. However, for specific medical conditions or chronic deficiencies, it’s best to take it under a doctor’s guidance.
• Dosage:
  • Adults: The typical dose for prevention is 25-75mg daily. For treatment of deficiency (scurvy), often >250mg daily, given in divided doses. For common cold prevention/treatment, 1g or more daily in divided doses (which could mean 2 tablets twice daily for 500mg strength). For wound healing, 2-4 tablets 2-3 times daily. For general use or risk reduction, 1-2 tablets daily. Always follow your doctor’s specific prescription or the instructions on the packaging.
  • Children: Dosage varies by age. For example, 4-12 years: 250-500mg daily; 12-18 years: 500mg-1g daily. Doses are usually given in 1-2 divided doses.
• Administration:
  • Asvit 500mg tablets can usually be taken with or without food. Taking it with food may help minimize any stomach upset.
  • If it’s an effervescent tablet (dissolves in water), dissolve it completely in the recommended amount of water before drinking. If it’s a regular tablet, swallow it whole with water.
  • Do not crush or chew if it’s not a chewable or dispersible tablet.
• Consistency: Take the tablet regularly as directed for the best results.
• Missed Dose: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
• Storage: Store at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and direct light. Keep out of reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date.

Disclaimer: This information is for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis, treatment, and any questions regarding your medical condition or medication.