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Ascorbic Acid / Paracetamol

    Brands

    DAE Class; OTC, Rx

    Common Brand Names; EFFERALGAN

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    Paracetamol, a para-aminophenol derivative, which works by reducing pain and reducing fever. Ascorbic acid or vitamin C is said to shorten the duration of colds and alleviate its symptoms when taken before the onset of the symptom

    Paracetamol + ascorbic acid is a combination of the analgesic paracetamol (internationally known as acetaminophen) and vitamin C. It has analgesic (pain-relieving) and antipyretic (fever-reducing) actions and is one of the most taken over-the-counter drugs.

    Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that is derived from and naturally found in citrus fruit such as lemons and oranges, along with various other fruits and vegetables. It plays an important role in various cellular functions such as collagen production and is a potent antioxidant that guards against free radical damage and boosts immunity.

    Paracetamol + ascorbic acid is mainly indicated to treat the following:

    • Cold and flu symptoms
     
    • Body malaise
    • Fever
    • Headaches

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    All drugs have the potential to elicit side effects even with normal use. Many side effects are dose-related and will resolve when it is adjusted or at the end of therapy.

    Potential side effects while using this drug include:

    • Nausea
    • Diarrhea
    • Stomach upset
    • Abdominal cramps
    • Fatigue
    • Heartburn
    • Headache
    • Flushing
    • Hyperoxaluria and kidney stone formation

    Both paracetamol and ascorbic acid are generally safe to take. High doses of paracetamol may result in liver damage with prolonged use, especially when it is taken with alcohol or other drugs that are extensively metabolized by the liver.

    As a water-soluble vitamin, ascorbic acid toxicity is extremely rare. Despite this, avoid prolonged, high doses of vitamin C as the protective benefit does not increase beyond the recommended doses. In rare cases, high-dose vitamin C supplementation can increase the risk of gastrointestinal disturbances, iron overload, and kidney stones.

    Before using this medication, inform your doctor if:

    • You have ever had an allergic reaction to paracetamol or ascorbic acid
    • You have a history of allergy to other medications, food, or other substances
    • You are taking other medications
    • You have underlying health conditions

    This drug combination is generally safe for pregnant women, however, there is no data available from controlled human studies that determine this preparation’s safety during pregnancy. This drug should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus, as determined by your doctor.

    This drug may be excreted in breast milk. This drug should be used while breastfeeding only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the child, as determined by your doctor.

    Adult

    • Oral: take as instructed based on the preparation’s label.
    • Maximum dose for paracetamol is 4 g per day
    • Maximum dose for ascorbic acid is 2 g per day

    Child Dose

    • Oral: take as instructed based on the preparation’s label.
    • Maximum dose for paracetamol is 2 g per day
    • Maximum dose for ascorbic acid is 400 mg to <2 g per day
    • Do not give paracetamol to children under 2 months old

    Ascorbic Acid / Paracetamol

    Efr Tablets

    Ascorbic Acid 0.2 g, Paracetamol 0.33 g