Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)

Vitamin
ALSO SOLD WITHOUT PRESCRIPTION

Vitamin C is a vitamin found in 4 medicines sold in India, such as Limcee, Celin 500, Becosules. Below: what it is for, how it works, how to take it, side effects, interactions and pregnancy advice.

Also called: ascorbic acid, vitamin c

What it is used for

Supports immunity and wound healing and helps absorb iron.

How it works

Ascorbic acid, an antioxidant needed for skin, gums, wound healing and iron absorption.

How to take it

Usually 100 to 500 mg a day; chewable tablets after food. More than 1 to 2 g a day mostly ends up in urine.

Common side effects

Stomach upset or diarrhoea at high doses

Get medical help straight away if

Kidney stone pain with long high-dose use

Be careful

High doses can upset the stomach or cause kidney stones in some people.

Other medicines and interactions

Increases iron absorption (useful for anaemia, harmful with iron overload).

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Normal doses are fine in pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Brands of Vitamin C (2)

Celin 500Limcee

Combination medicines that contain Vitamin C (2)

BecosulesPolybion

Common questions

What is Vitamin C used for?

Supports immunity and wound healing and helps absorb iron.

How does Vitamin C work?

Ascorbic acid, an antioxidant needed for skin, gums, wound healing and iron absorption.

How should I take Vitamin C?

Usually 100 to 500 mg a day; chewable tablets after food. More than 1 to 2 g a day mostly ends up in urine.

What are the side effects of Vitamin C?

Common: Stomach upset or diarrhoea at high doses. Get help straight away for: Kidney stone pain with long high-dose use.

Does Vitamin C interact with other medicines?

Increases iron absorption (useful for anaemia, harmful with iron overload).

Is Vitamin C safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Normal doses are fine in pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Does Vitamin C need a prescription in India?

It is usually sold without a prescription in India, but ask a pharmacist if you take other medicines or have a long-term illness.

Which brands contain Vitamin C?

Becosules, Celin 500, Limcee, Polybion.

Sources and further reading

NHS (UK National Health Service) and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) are free, reviewed medicine guides. Brand names and doses there may differ from India.

Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu from standard prescribing information.

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For information only, not medical advice. This page is a plain-language summary written from standard prescribing information and the public guides linked below. Brands sometimes change their formula, so always check the composition printed on the pack. Doses here are typical adult doses; yours may differ. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without your doctor or pharmacist, and keep all medicines away from children. In an emergency, call 112 (India) or your local emergency number.