Cevitil

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Medically reviewed

Laura Arias

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Cevitil

Quick Facts

Property Description
Active ingredient Sodium Ascorbate (Ascorbic Acid Sodium Salt)
Form Injection solution, Tablet, Capsule, Oral powder
Pharmacological class Vitamin / Essential Micronutrient
General Purpose Antioxidant and Cofactor for biological processes
Origin Typically Synthetic

What Type of Medicine is Cevitil? (Identity and Classification)

Cevitil is a pharmaceutical preparation classified as a water-soluble vitamin and an essential micronutrient supplement, utilized to provide the body with a necessary substance it cannot synthesize internally. The active ingredient is Sodium Ascorbate, which is the buffered, non-acidic sodium salt form of Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C). This form is an ionic compound of typically synthetic origin produced to pharmacopeial standards. Cevitil is clinically recognized as an option for patients requiring replenishment of this essential nutrient when standard dietary intake is insufficient.


Composition and Available Pharmaceutical Forms (Substance and Delivery)

Cevitil is formulated as a single active ingredient product. The use of Sodium Ascorbate is a key differentiating factor; its neutral pH makes it less irritating than the free acid form, allowing for specialized parenteral delivery. The preparation is made available in several key dosage forms, encompassing injection solution (for intravenous and intramuscular routes) where the base is an aqueous solution, as well as common oral powder, tablet, and capsule forms. This versatility in route of administration is supported by pharmacological studies for ensuring the substance can be efficiently delivered based on the patient's acute needs.


General Purpose and Core Physiological Role (Benefit)

The general purpose of Cevitil is directly linked to the fundamental physiological role of the Ascorbate component. It functions as a crucial electron donor and highly effective antioxidant, helping to neutralize damaging free radicals in the body. Vitamin C plays a vital role in supporting the synthesis of collagen and L-carnitine, necessary for the maintenance of various tissues. This core mechanism translates to the general benefit of sustaining overall physiological resilience and tissue integrity.

What side effects are possible with Cevitil?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The safety profile for Cevitil (Sodium Ascorbate or Ascorbic Acid) is defined by officially documented adverse reactions primarily affecting the renal, gastrointestinal, and hematological systems. The occurrence of side effects is often linked to the dose and the patient's underlying physiological status, as noted in regulatory prescribing information.

Adverse Reaction Classification

Category Examples (as per Regulatory Labels)
Gastrointestinal Disorders Nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, and diarrhea are common, particularly with higher doses.
Systemic Effects Headache, fatigue, and disturbed sleep are documented non-serious effects.
Hypersensitivity Reactions Reactions such as rash, urticaria, and respiratory distress are classified as very rare in some official documents.

Serious Adverse Reactions and Population Risk

Serious adverse reactions documented in official labeling primarily involve the kidneys and blood. The most significant concern is the potential for oxalate nephropathy (kidney damage) and nephrolithiasis (kidney stone formation), which have been associated with prolonged administration of high doses. The regulatory documents specify increased risk for these renal events in geriatric patients and pediatric patients less than two years old.

A specific hematological risk is the potential for severe hemolysis (red blood cell destruction). This is noted as a risk for patients with the underlying genetic condition Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency.

Safety Restrictions and Contextual Notes

The medicine is subject to safety constraints based on pre-existing conditions. Its use is restricted in individuals with existing hyperoxaluria or oxalate urolithiasis. Caution is also specified for patients with certain iron storage disorders. Additionally, regulatory labels note that high doses of ascorbic acid can interfere with laboratory tests based on oxidation-reduction reactions, potentially affecting the accuracy of results for measures like glucose and bilirubin.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help

Official regulatory documents define the overdose profile of Cevitil (Sodium Ascorbate) by documenting specific clinical manifestations and mandated emergency actions.

Overdose may present with common gastrointestinal disturbances, including diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps. Other documented symptoms include headache and polyuria (increased urination).


Documented Serious Outcomes and Required Actions

The most serious potential outcomes documented in official labeling involve metabolic and renal complications. Excessive intake carries a risk of hyperoxaluria which can lead to calcium oxalate stone formation and subsequent renal impairment. Furthermore, patients with Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency are noted to be at risk for hemolytic anemia following high-dose exposure.

Emergency Actions: Regulatory guidance mandates that patients seek immediate medical attention for severe manifestations. Since no specific antidote is known, treatment is described as symptomatic and supportive treatment. Hospital monitoring may be required to assess renal function and manage fluid and electrolyte balance.

Therapeutic Uses of Cevitil

What Cevitil Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

Cevitil is relevant for managing the symptomatic manifestations of Vitamin C deficiency and its most severe presentation, scurvy. It is commonly applied in clinical settings that involve acute or unstable symptom patterns associated with this deficiency. The application is aligned with therapeutic domains involving significant symptom expression due to prolonged, inadequate intake.

The primary therapeutic uses include managing symptoms related to diagnosed deficiency, supporting the management of scurvy, and providing supportive relief during convalescence and for concurrent nutritional issues requiring support for iron utilization.

Managing Hemorrhagic Symptoms and Impaired Tissue Integrity

Cevitil helps address symptom clusters that may become intense or disruptive, such as bleeding gums, easy bruising, and slow wound healing. This is particularly relevant in conditions where symptoms relate to systemic imbalance and affect functional stability. The medication provides supportive relief when symptoms interfere with routine activities, contributing to improved comfort during symptomatic periods by easing symptoms related to vascular fragility and supporting the maintenance of tissue barriers.


Quick Fact: Supportive Management for Deficiency Symptoms

Quick Fact: Supportive Management for Deficiency Symptoms Relevance (Focus on Benefit)
Fatigue & Weakness Supports patients during episodes of heightened discomfort and systemic imbalance.
Vascular Fragility Helps ease symptoms related to a tendency for bleeding or easy bruising.
Impaired Healing Assists with maintaining functional stability of tissues during recovery and repair.

Regulatory References

  1. NIH MedlinePlus Drug Information

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Who can and cannot use Cevitil?

The official eligibility rules for Cevitil (Sodium Ascorbate) are defined by absolute contraindications and strict usage restrictions based on underlying medical conditions, as documented in regulatory labels.

Classification Rule Summary (Official Regulatory Basis)
Contraindicated Patients with known hypersensitivity or allergy to Sodium Ascorbate or any component of the formulation.
Established Use Adults and Pediatric Patients (typically over 5 months for injection) for the short-term treatment of confirmed deficiency.
Conditional Use/Restricted Patients with Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency are eligible only with a reduced dose and mandatory blood count monitoring due to the risk of hemolysis.
Renal Restrictions Eligibility is restricted for patients with severe renal impairment or a history of oxalate kidney stones (nephrolithiasis), particularly with high-dose use, due to the risk of oxalate nephropathy. Geriatric and pediatric patients under 2 years of age may be at increased risk.
Pregnancy/Lactation Use in pregnancy is generally acceptable for deficiency but is not recommended for doses exceeding 1 g/day. The substance is known to be excreted in breast milk.

Eligibility is also restricted in patients with iron overload conditions (such as hemochromatosis) as the substance enhances iron absorption, which may increase toxicity risks.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

The official interaction profile for Cevitil (Sodium Ascorbate) is derived from its chemical properties, leading to documented pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic constraints.

Interaction Type Interacting Agents / Substances Official Regulatory Outcome
Pharmacokinetic Alteration Amphetamine and other basic drugs sensitive to urine pH Cevitil's effect on urine pH is officially documented to increase renal excretion, which decreases the serum levels of these co-administered basic drugs.
Chelator/Iron Metabolism Desferrioxamine (Deferoxamine), Oral iron products Formally restricted with Desferrioxamine due to the risk of cardiovascular adverse effects, particularly in patients with cardiac dysfunction. It increases the oral absorption of iron.
Absorption and Supplements Aluminum-containing antacids, Amygdalin Aluminum absorption is enhanced, a concern specifically noted in renal insufficiency. Co-administration with Amygdalin is documented to pose a risk of cyanide toxicity.

The use of Cevitil with the iron- chelator Desferrioxamine is subject to specific timing rules, requiring a mandatory one-month separation period after starting the chelator before initiating Cevitil. Furthermore, oral contraceptives containing estrogen are associated with a documented reduction in ascorbic acid serum concentration. Finally, Cevitil is formally noted to interfere with certain laboratory tests that rely on oxidation- reduction reactions, such as assays for urinary glucose and bilirubin levels.

Mechanism of Action

️ Cofactor Role in Enzyme Redox Cycling and Structural Protein Modification

The mechanism centers on Cevitil's role as a required reductant for Fe(II)-dependent metalloenzymes involved in specific biosynthetic pathways. By maintaining the active state of enzymes like prolyl hydroxylase, the mechanism influences the correct molecular folding and structural stability of collagen in connective tissues and blood vessel walls. This enzymatic action also extends to the synthesis of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine, influencing defined neurochemical pathways.

Participation in Systemic Redox Homeostasis

Cevitil functions as a water-soluble antioxidant by acting as a direct electron donor to neutralize Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and free radicals. This scavenging action limits the propagation of radical chain reactions, influencing the protection of cellular structures from oxidative degradation. Furthermore, the mechanism reduces non-heme Fe^3+ to Fe^2+, a state required for its absorption, which influences pathways of iron handling.

️ Conditional Mechanistic Constraints

The biological activity of this molecule is subject to mechanistic constraints, primarily involving the presence and compartmentalization of free transition metals. While acting as an antioxidant, in the presence of unregulated metal ions, its reducing activity can initiate a localized pro-oxidant reaction (Fenton chemistry), which defines a condition that alters the mechanistic outcome.

Dosage and Administration Information

Cevitil (Sodium Ascorbate) is administered according to specific protocols that define the route, dose, and frequency based on the patient's nutritional state. The medicine can be administered through the Oral route, using tablets, capsules, or powder, or via the Parenteral route, which includes Intravenous (IV) or Intramuscular (IM) injection. Parenteral administration is typically reserved for acute or severe deficiency where the oral route is compromised.

Administration Scope

Entity Instruction
Route of administration Oral (PO) or Parenteral (IV / IM)
Dosing schedule The reparative dose for established adult deficiency generally ranges from 100 mg to 250 mg per dose.
Frequency pattern The dose is typically administered once daily or in divided doses up to twice daily.
Preparation / IV specifics The Injection Solution must be properly diluted before intravenous use. IV administration requires a slow infusion rate, and rapid injection is to be procedurally avoided.
Duration of use Treatment follows a short-term course intended to reverse deficiency signs, usually concluding once the patient is clinically stable.

Use-Context Constraints

The use of high-dose Cevitil is subject to specific constraints defined in prescribing information. While oral forms may be taken with or without food, the dosage regimen requires careful attention in certain patient populations. For instance, the use of doses exceeding 1 gram daily is restricted or advised with caution in patients with pre-existing renal impairment. Dosage for pediatric patients is determined by specific rules based on age and body weight. If a dose is missed, patients should take it when remembered unless the next dose is due soon; doubling doses is not permitted. These instructions define the standardized framework for using the medicine.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies for Cevitil

Evidence for Use in Deficiency States and Scurvy Management

Research focusing on deficiency has included both foundational historical cohort studies and more recent re-pletion trials. These studies were used in research exploring how Ascorbate levels and physical signs change over time. The populations examined include individuals with documented symptomatic deficiency, such as scurvy, or those in settings with known nutritional challenges. Outcomes monitored included measured levels of Ascorbate in the blood and immune cells, alongside the monitoring of physical signs associated with deficiency.

Studies documented the systemic relationship between low Ascorbate concentrations and the appearance of deficiency symptoms. The re-pletion trials reported measurements of Ascorbate biomarkers, noting the pattern of concentration changes after the intervention began. Findings describe patterns observed in the studies related to the time interval required for the physical signs of scurvy to stabilize.

The evidence landscape is influenced by ethical constraints, which mean that large, contemporary, placebo-controlled trials specifically for severely symptomatic scurvy are limited. The evidence relies significantly on established historical data, observational data, and foundational scientific literature.

Evidence for Supportive Management of Impaired Tissue Integrity

Research in this area includes various intervention trials and systematic reviews applied in studies examining patient-reported experiences related to tissue healing. Research explored Ascorbate's involvement as a factor in processes like collagen production, and studies evaluated the measurable outcomes related to tissue structure. Clinical studies focusing on this context reported varying outcomes in measurements of wound healing metrics. Findings were mixed across different study designs, often reflecting the complexity of the research context.

What Remains Uncertain and Future Research Gaps

Overall, the research highlights what is known—and what is still uncertain. Evidence quality varies across studies, and many findings were mixed or derived from non-comparative observational settings. The primary gaps include a lack of high-quality, large-scale comparative evidence for supportive contexts, as many trials were conducted during periods of increased symptom activity and focused on short-term changes. Long-term effects are not fully established, as follow-up durations were limited across the broader evidence landscape.

Key Studies & References

  1. Ascorbic Acid Injection: Drug Information
  2. Scurvy: a disease of the past or an ongoing problem?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Cevitil (FAQ)

Q: How long does it usually take for Cevitil to start working after I take it?

A: Official information regarding how the medicine moves through the body, known as pharmacokinetics, suggests the active substance reaches its maximum levels in the blood approximately two to three hours after taking an oral dose. For the injectable solution, peak blood concentration is typically achieved at the end of the infusion period.


Q: If I miss a dose of Cevitil, what is the usual guidance?

A: Regulatory instructions generally state that if a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as it is remembered, provided the time for the next scheduled dose is not near. Regulatory documents describe that doubling the dose to compensate for a missed one is not permitted in the official guidance.


Q: Is it normal to feel [mild, non-serious side effect] when starting Cevitil?

A: Regulatory documents describe that certain common, non-serious side effects may be experienced when treatment with Cevitil is initiated. These documented adverse reactions include mild effects such as nausea, vomiting, stomach cramping, and headache, which are listed in the official prescribing information.


Q: What is the expected duration of treatment with Cevitil?

A: Cevitil is typically indicated for a short-term course when used to treat confirmed deficiency states. The treatment is intended to reverse the acute physical signs of deficiency and is usually concluded once the patient's condition is clinically stabilized.


Q: What is the evidence level (e.g., Phase 3 trials) supporting Cevitil’s main use?

A: The evidence supporting the primary use is built upon established historical data, observational studies, and foundational scientific literature. Regulatory overviews indicate that large, contemporary Phase 3 placebo-controlled trials are limited for this type of essential nutrient.


Q: Why does the official leaflet warn about [general warning]?

A: The official product leaflet carries a general warning because the substance can interfere with certain laboratory tests. This interference occurs because the medicine participates in oxidation-reduction reactions, potentially causing inaccurate results for assays such as urinary glucose, uric acid, and creatinine.


Q: Are there groups of people for whom Cevitil is officially 'not recommended'?

A: Official documents advise caution or restriction for several groups. This includes patients with iron storage disorders, severe renal impairment (kidney issues), or those with a history of oxalate kidney stones. Additionally, doses exceeding 1 gram per day are generally not recommended during pregnancy. The full list of precautions and contraindications should be consulted for specific medical conditions.


Q: Are there any common over-the-counter pain relievers that interact with Cevitil?

A: Official interaction documents cite that aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) may affect the absorption of the active substance in Cevitil. Therefore, official sources acknowledge a potential pharmacokinetic interaction with this common over-the-counter pain reliever.


Q: Can Cevitil affect my sleep patterns?

A: Official regulatory labels include disturbed sleep as a documented non-serious systemic adverse effect. This indicates that it is recognized that taking Cevitil may have the potential to interfere with normal sleep patterns.


Q: How long does Cevitil stay in your system after the last dose?

A: The substance is described as having a short biological half-life in the blood, which is approximately two hours. When taken in amounts exceeding the body's needs, the excess is quickly processed and eliminated primarily through the urine.


Q: Are there any dietary restrictions or foods to avoid while on Cevitil?

A: The medicine is generally noted to be taken with or without food. However, official documents note that the sodium content of the medicine may be a factor to consider for patients following a sodium-restricted diet.


Q: Is Cevitil a controlled substance?

A: Official classification documents define Cevitil as a water-soluble vitamin and an essential micronutrient. It is not classified as a controlled substance under the regulatory acts governing medications with high abuse potential.


Q: Are there studies on the long-term effects of taking Cevitil?

A: Regulatory summaries on research evidence indicate that long-term effects are not fully established. This is noted because the follow-up periods in many of the studies related to non-deficiency uses were often limited in duration.


Q: Is there a possibility of a 'withdrawal' effect when stopping Cevitil?

A: Official warnings note that taking high doses for a long period can increase the body's elimination rate of the substance. If intake is suddenly reduced or withdrawn, a temporary deficiency may result according to some regulatory warnings.


Q: What is the risk of overdose with Cevitil?

A: Regulatory information indicates that taking very large single doses, such as over 10 grams, is known to cause temporary effects like osmotic diarrhea and abdominal discomfort. In rare instances, massive overdosage may be associated with more serious complications like acidosis or renal failure.


Q: Are there any documented drug-food interactions for Cevitil?

A: Yes, the official interaction profile includes documented effects related to both drugs and supplements. It is known to increase the oral absorption of iron. It is also documented to enhance the absorption of Aluminum from Aluminum-containing antacids, which is a concern in patients with renal impairment.


Q: If I have a history of [general organ] problems, can I still take Cevitil?

A: Official constraints focus primarily on pre-existing issues involving the kidneys (renal impairment, kidney stones), conditions affecting the blood (G6PD deficiency), and iron storage disorders. The full list of precautions and contraindications for specific medical conditions should be reviewed.


Q: Is Cevitil commonly used in other countries under a different name?

A: Yes. The active substance in Cevitil is an essential nutrient (Vitamin C), and as such, it is commercially available and used globally. It can be found under various brand names and as a generic substance in multiple countries worldwide.

How should Cevitil be stored and disposed of?

The official requirements for storing and disposing of Cevitil are defined by its formulation to maintain stability and prevent environmental harm.

Storage Conditions

The injection solution must be stored in a refrigerator at controlled temperatures, typically 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F), and must be explicitly Protected From Light and Do Not Freeze the product. Oral formulations generally require storage at controlled room temperature (e.g., below 25°C or 30°C) and should be protected from moisture and kept in the original, tightly closed container.

Stability and Handling

For Pharmacy Bulk Packages of the injection, the contents must be used within a short time frame (e.g., 4 hours) after the closure is first punctured, and any remainder must be discarded. The product, in all forms, must be stored out of the sight and reach of children.

Disposal Instructions

Unused or expired Cevitil should be disposed of via a drug take-back program or in accordance with local regulations. It must not be disposed of by flushing down the toilet or pouring into a drain. Any used needles or syringes must be placed immediately in an FDA-cleared sharps disposal container.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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