provider image
Welcome! You’re in GoodRx for healthcare professionals. Now, you’ll enjoy a streamlined experience created specifically for healthcare professionals.
Skip to main content
Vitamin C Coupon - Vitamin C 500mg tablet

vitamin C

Generic ascorbic acid
Used for Nutritional Deficiency
Used for Nutritional Deficiency

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a dietary supplement that's available over the counter. It's typically used for people who aren't getting enough of the vitamin from the foods in their diet. The supplement commonly comes as tablets, chewable tablets, gummies, and oral liquid. While vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is important for several bodily functions, some of its suggested benefits (e.g., preventing colds) aren't clear. Side effects typically aren't common when you take vitamin C (ascorbic acid) supplements at recommended doses, but they're more likely to happen if you take too much.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP
reviewer
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
Last reviewed on July 4, 2023
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageCostLatest newsImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)?

What is Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) used for?

  • Dietary supplement

How Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) works

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a supplement that provides your body with this important vitamin. Your body needs vitamin C (ascorbic acid) for several processes. These roles include keeping your cells healthy, building collagen for joint and skin health, and helping you absorb more iron from food.

Drug Facts

Common BrandsNo brand available
Drug ClassDietary supplement
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityOver-the-counter

More on Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) essentials

Health: Vitamin C: woman curly hair orange halves on eyes-1287400799

Vitamin C: Overview, Benefits, and Food Sources

Written by Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH
coupon-save-icon

Get your GoodRx coupon

Avg retail price
$10.93(save 57.17%)
GoodRx discount
$4.68
See prices
basics-icon

What are the side effects of Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

See Risks and Warnings.

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)

thumbs-up

Pros

Typically taken once daily

Available over the counter and as a lower-cost generic

Available as chewable tablets or gummies that might be a good option for people who have trouble swallowing pills whole

Some chewable tablets and gummies are fruit-flavored for better taste.

thumbs-down

Cons

Too much vitamin C can cause stomach side effects.

Some chewable tablets might contain sugar, so might not be a good choice for people who have high blood sugar

Can't take if you have certain blood-related problems, such as thalassemia or sickle cell disease

Injectable form is only available with a prescription for severely low vitamin C levels

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)

pharmacist

  • Discuss with your provider if you're getting enough vitamin C from your diet or if you should take a vitamin C (ascorbic acid) supplement.

    • You can take vitamin C (ascorbic acid) supplements with or without food.

      • Don't start taking vitamin C (ascorbic acid) without talking to your provider or pharmacist to make sure all your medications and supplements are safe to take together. This is because vitamin C (ascorbic acid) can interact with many common medications, such as warfarin (Coumadin), simvastatin (Zocor), and certain estrogen-containing birth control pills.

        • Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is found in many other multivitamins and supplements. Make sure to read labels carefully on all of the dietary supplements you're taking to see if it contains vitamin C (ascorbic acid). Don't take multiple supplements that have vitamin C (ascorbic acid) because you could get stomach side effects.

          • If you have high blood sugar, make sure you choose a vitamin C (ascorbic acid) product that's sugar-free. Read the labels before you purchase your vitamin C (ascorbic acid) supplement. Chewable tablets and gummies often contain sugar.

            • Store vitamin C (ascorbic acid) in a cool and dry place at room temperature in its original container to protect it from light and moisture.

              • Keep vitamin C (ascorbic acid) out of reach of children so that they don't accidentally take it. If your child accidentally took vitamin C (ascorbic acid), call your local Poison Control Center right away at 1-800-222-1222.

                More on Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) tips

                Vitamin C: drug interaction vitaminc

                7 Vitamin C Interactions to Be Aware of

                Written by Jill Barat, PharmD
                faqs

                Frequently asked questions about Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)

                What is vitamin C (ascorbic acid) good for?
                Your body needs vitamin C (ascorbic acid) for several important reasons. This includes protecting your cells from chemical damage, building collagen to help your skin and bones stay strong, and helping your body absorb iron from food. If you have vitamin C (ascorbic acid) levels that are too low, you can develop a serious condition called scurvy, which causes weakness, fatigue, and aches. While scurvy is very rare nowadays, it can be treated with the injection form of vitamin C (ascorbic acid), which is typically given by a healthcare provider in the hospital. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is also believed to help fight common cold symptoms and possibly slow down an eye condition called macular degeneration when taken with other nutrients.
                How much vitamin C (ascorbic acid) should I take per day?
                The recommended amount of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) that you need per day differs based on age. It can also differ depending on whether you smoke, you're pregnant, or you're breastfeeding. In general, it's recommended for adults to get 75 mg to 90 mg per day. The recommendation for children ranges from 15 mg to 75 mg per day. Most people can get enough vitamin C (ascorbic acid) from their diet, but some people might need help to do so by taking supplements. For vitamin C (ascorbic acid) supplements, the manufacturers' recommended dose for adults and children is 500 mg per day, which is much greater than the recommended daily intake of vitamin C (ascorbic acid). Depending on your other medical conditions, your provider might tell you to take a different dose of vitamin C (ascorbic acid). It's recommended that adults don't take more than 2,000 mg of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) per day because of risks of stomach upset. Ask your child's provider about the maximum amount of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) your child can take since it depends on their age.
                Can you overdose on vitamin C (ascorbic acid)?
                Taking too much vitamin C (ascorbic acid) can cause stomach problems, like diarrhea, nausea, and stomach cramps. Though rare, studies also show that adult men who take too much vitamin C (ascorbic acid) might develop kidney stones. But it's important to note that most of the time, your body can get rid of any extra vitamin C (ascorbic acid) it doesn't need. So taking too much of the vitamin typically isn't a medical emergency that requires treatment. If you think you or your child accidentally took too much vitamin C (ascorbic acid), call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 right away to learn what to look out for.
                Does vitamin C (ascorbic acid) help with colds?
                Maybe. Some research suggests that taking 1,000 mg to 2,000 mg of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) every day might lower how severe your cold symptoms are. Taking this dose might also shorten how long your cold symptoms last, but only by 10% of the typical time, which probably isn't noticeable. Additionally, the results are mixed in terms of taking vitamin C (ascorbic acid) after you start having cold symptoms. But for some people who regularly take vitamin C (ascorbic acid), it might be possible to shorten the length of a cold by about half a day if they take extra doses when they start to feel cold symptoms coming on. Keep in mind that taking high doses of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) can cause side effects like nausea and vomiting. If you have questions about whether taking vitamin C (ascorbic acid) will be helpful for your cold, ask your provider.
                Should I take a vitamin C (ascorbic acid) supplement to boost my health even if my provider didn't specifically say I need one?
                Don't take a vitamin C (ascorbic acid) supplement unless your provider says you need a supplement. Most people already get enough vitamin C (ascorbic acid) from food (e.g., fruits, red and green peppers, tomatoes, broccoli). Because of this, most people typically don't need a vitamin C (ascorbic acid) supplement. Taking extra vitamin C (ascorbic acid) without needing it won't help you and might even cause stomach side effects (e.g., diarrhea, nausea, stomach cramps). Your provider might recommend vitamin C (ascorbic acid) for you if you don't get enough vitamin C through foods (e.g., trouble absorbing nutrients as a result of certain bowel problems, diet limitations, problems with food access).
                Can you take vitamin C (ascorbic acid) while pregnant?
                Yes, taking vitamin C (ascorbic acid) during pregnancy is safe. In fact, low vitamin C (ascorbic acid) levels might raise your risk for preeclampsia or affect the growth of your baby. However, don't take vitamin C (ascorbic acid) unless your provider specifically says to do so. Most people can get enough daily vitamin C from their diet or prenatal vitamin. If you're pregnant or thinking of getting pregnant, talk to your provider to see if vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is right for you.
                GoodRxEducationalIcon

                How to save using GoodRx

                Compare Prices
                1. Compare PricesSpecify your dosage and quantity to find out exactly how much you can save.
                Select your free coupon
                2. Select your free couponYou can use the displayed coupon, or compare prices at other pharmacies near you.
                Show coupon to your pharmacist
                3. Show coupon to your pharmacistPresent your printed or electronic coupon when you pick up your prescription.
                Get free couponLearn more
                warings-icon

                What are the risks and warnings for Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)?

                Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                risk-warning

                Toxicity from too much vitamin C

                • Risk factors: High doses of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) | Taking multiple products that contain vitamin C (ascorbic acid)

                  If you take vitamin C (ascorbic acid) supplements at the recommended dose, it's unlikely that you'll experience any side effects. But side effects can happen if you take high doses of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) or if you get an injection of the vitamin from a provider. These side effects can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and headaches.

                  Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is in many foods and over-the-counter products. Make sure to carefully check the labels of all of your foods, medications, and supplements to make sure you're not taking too much vitamin C (ascorbic acid).

                  dosage

                  Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) dosage forms

                  The average cost for 90 tablets of 500mg of Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is $4.68 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 57.17% off the average retail price of $10.93.
                  tablet
                  Tablet
                  DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                  500mg90 tablets$4.68$0.05

                  Typical dosing for Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)

                  Different vitamin C (ascorbic acid) products can have different strengths of vitamin C and different directions on how to take the supplement.

                  Please read the manufacturer's label for directions that are specific to the vitamin C (ascorbic acid) product you have or follow your provider's instructions. Your provider might recommend a dose of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) that's different from the manufacturer's label.

                  Below are some examples of dosing instructions for some formulations of vitamin C (ascorbic acid).

                  For adults, it's recommended that you don't take more than 2,000 mg of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) per day. For children, ask your child's provider how much they can take per day.

                  More on Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) dosage forms

                  Vitamin C: vitaminc dosage

                  Vitamin C Dosages: Your GoodRx Guide

                  Written by Makaela Premont, PharmD
                  drug-cost

                  How much does Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) cost?

                  To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
                  Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) (generic)
                  GoodRx lowest price

                  $4.68

                  (save 57.17%)
                  View prices & coupons
                  images

                  Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) images

                  This medicine is Colorless Tablet.

                  Get savings updates for Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)

                  Receive price alerts, news, and other messages from GoodRx about Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and other healthcare topics and relevant savings offers.

                  By signing up, I agree to GoodRx's Terms and Privacy Policy, and to receive marketing messages from GoodRx.

                  References

                  Best studies we found

                  American College of Obstetricians and Gynegologists. (2023). Nutrition during pregnancy.

                  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). About Thalassemia.

                  Ferraro, P. M., et al. (2016). Total, dietary, and supplemental vitamin C intake and risk of incident kidney stones. American Journal of Kidney Diseases.

                  View All References (10)

                  InformedHealth.org. (2020). Common colds: Does vitamin C keep you healthy? Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care.

                  Leosons Overseas Corp. (2018). Amerix vitamin C- ascorbic acid tablet, chewable [package insert]. DailyMed.

                  Lobo, V., et al. (2010). Free radicals, antioxidants and functional foods: Impact on human health. Pharmacognosy Reviews.

                  Marlex Pharmaceuticals Inc. (2020). Vitamin C- ascorbic acid tablet [package insert]. DailyMed.

                  McGuff Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (2022). Ascor- ascorbic acid injection [package insert].

                  MedlinePlus. (2023). Scurvy.

                  National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. (2021). Vitamin C: Fact sheet for consumers.

                  National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. (2021). Vitamin C: Fact sheet for health professionals.

                  Wu, M., et al. (2023). Biochemistry, collagen synthesis. StatPearls.

                  Zhang, C., et al. (2002). Vitamin C and the risk of preeclampsia— Results from dietary questionnaire and plasma assay. Epidemiology.

                  GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
                  Was this page helpful?

                  Compare other Nutritional Deficiency drugs

                  Tretinoin vs Vitamin CAccutane vs TretinoinAdapalene vs TretinoinAklief vs TretinoinAltreno vs TretinoinAmzeeq vs AkliefArazlo vs TretinoinAzelaic Acid vs TretinoinBactrim vs ClindamycinClindamycin vs TretinoinDapsone vs TretinoinDifferin vs TretinoinEnalapril vs SpironolactoneEpiduo vs TretinoinHydrochlorothiazide vs SpironolactoneHydroquinone vs TretinoinIsotretinoin vs TretinoinLasix vs SpironolactoneLisinopril vs SpironolactonePropecia vs SpironolactoneRenova vs TretinoinRetin A Micro vs TretinoinSalicylic Acid vs TretinoinSpironolactone vs DigoxinSpironolactone vs EdecrinSpironolactone vs TretinoinTazarotene vs TretinoinTretinoin vs BotoxTretinoin vs TriamcinoloneWinlevi vs Tretinoin
                  View More

                  Browse medications

                  View All

                  Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.