Laroscorbine

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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 Laroscorbine

Property Description
Active Ingredient Sodium Ascorbate (Ascorbic Acid salt)
Form Injectable solution (Ampoules), Oral Tablets (Chewable/Effervescent)
Pharmacological Class Water-soluble vitamin (Vitamin C Supplement)
Common Use Prevention and treatment of Vitamin C deficiency
Origin Synthetic (Chemically derived salt)

Laroscorbine: Definition and Pharmacological Classification

Laroscorbine is a medicinal preparation classified as a vitamin supplement and an essential nutrient source, utilized primarily to prevent or correct nutritional deficiency states. Its classification places it within the broad therapeutic grouping of water-soluble vitamins and is an essential substance required for metabolic functions the body cannot adequately supply on its own. The need for external sourcing of this component is clinically recognized and confirmed by health organizations worldwide, underscoring its foundational role.


Composition: Sodium Ascorbate and Available Forms

The active ingredient in this medication is Sodium Ascorbate, which is the non-acidic sodium salt form of Ascorbic Acid. This compound is produced via synthesis, confirming its origin as a synthetic salt that is chemically identical to the naturally occurring nutrient. The formulation’s versatility includes an injectable solution contained in ampoules for parenteral administration, a characteristic often associated with clinical use, as well as various forms of oral medication, including chewable tablets and effervescent tablets. The use of the neutral salt form is specifically designed to enhance stability and improve patient tolerance, especially when higher doses are required.


General Purpose and Benefit of the Ascorbate Salt

The core purpose of supplying Sodium Ascorbate is to deliver the biological functions of the Ascorbate anion to the body, addressing states of deficiency. This compound is known to possess potent antioxidant properties and is necessary as an enzyme cofactor for the proper formation of collagen, the primary structural protein in connective tissues. By supporting these foundational biochemical processes, the preparation is generally administered to enhance the body's natural defense mechanisms and support tissue repair, helping to combat deficiencies that contribute to conditions like general temporary fatigue.

Regulatory References

  1. Ascorbic acid on WHO EML

What side effects are possible with Laroscorbine?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

Laroscorbine (Ascorbic Acid/Sodium Ascorbate) has a safety profile established through government regulatory documents. Adverse reactions are classified by frequency and grouped into System-Organ Classes (SOCs) according to regulatory standards.


Common Adverse Reactions

Reactions classified as common in official prescribing information primarily affect the Gastrointestinal Disorders and Nervous System Disorders classes. These may include documented effects such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, and headache. These effects are generally observed with oral and injectable forms of the preparation.


Serious Safety Considerations

The most serious documented safety concerns are typically associated with high doses and specific patient factors. The risk of calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis (kidney stone formation) is classified as a rare serious adverse reaction in the Renal and Urinary Disorders class. This risk is explicitly linked to long-term use or prolonged administration of high doses, as stated in regulatory labels.

Furthermore, the label identifies acute hemolytic anemia as a serious risk within the Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders class, primarily confined to individuals with a pre-existing condition, Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. Specific safety cautions are also documented for individuals with renal impairment or pre-existing renal disease and those with conditions of iron overload (e.g., hereditary hemochromatosis).

Use of this medicine is contraindicated in patients with a history of hyperoxaluria or calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Laroscorbine Overdose and When to Seek Help

The official regulatory profile for Laroscorbine (Ascorbic Acid) details specific manifestations and the actions required in the event of overdose.

Documented Overdose Manifestations Overdose from high oral intake may present with gastrointestinal effects such as nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort. Rapid intravenous administration is associated with transient systemic symptoms including headache, dizziness, and flushing. High-level exposure can interfere with certain laboratory tests that rely on oxidation-reduction reactions.

Severe and Population-Specific Risks The serious outcomes documented primarily involve the renal system. Prolonged administration of high doses increases the risk for oxalate nephropathy (kidney damage) and the formation of renal oxalate calculi (kidney stones). These risks are significantly higher in individuals with pre-existing renal insufficiency or a history of stone formation. The regulatory labeling also specifies that patients with Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD) are at a serious risk of severe hemolysis (red blood cell destruction) following high doses.

Required Emergency Actions Regulatory guidance mandates that immediate medical attention must be sought for any suspected overdose. In cases where the individual has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or cannot be awakened, immediate contact with emergency services is required. Otherwise, contacting the poison control helpline is the mandated procedure. Management focuses on symptomatic and supportive treatment, requiring discontinuation of the drug and monitoring renal function in at-risk individuals.

Therapeutic Uses of Laroscorbine

What Laroscorbine Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

Laroscorbine is commonly used to help with correcting and preventing the symptoms of nutritional deficits, particularly where Vitamin C deficiency has compromised systemic function. This supportive therapy is relevant for easing conditions characterized by physical discomfort and noticeable physiological strain.


Addressing Scurvy and Structural Fragility

This medication is used to manage the severe syndrome of Scurvy. It helps address symptoms related to physical discomfort and functional strain, such as easy bruising and bleeding gums, by providing support that helps maintain tissue integrity. This intervention contributes to easing the overall symptom load related to structural instability.

Supporting Tissue Repair and Recovery

The medicine is commonly used to help with conditions marked by increased physiological stress, relevant for managing symptoms related to impaired wound healing and tissue maintenance. This support contributes to improved comfort during periods of recovery and may assist with maintaining functional stability, which is considered relevant after surgery, burns, or physical trauma.

Quick Fact: Relief for Tissue Weakness

Quick Fact: Relief for Tissue Weakness Laroscorbine is applied in addressing structural issues and symptoms that interfere with daily functioning, such as poor healing or general malaise, which may help patients cope more steadily with chronic deficiency episodes.

Regulatory References

  1. NIH DailyMed label for Ascorbic Acid Injection

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Eligibility Map: Who can and cannot use Laroscorbine — Official Regulatory Information

Laroscorbine, an injectable form of Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), does not have a formal list of absolute contraindications according to official U.S. regulatory labeling. However, its use is restricted and subject to special warnings for specific patient populations.


Eligibility Scope

Category Status According to Regulatory Label
Populations for whom use is allowed Adult and pediatric patients age 5 months and older.
Populations for whom use is contraindicated None listed as absolute contraindication.
Age-related eligibility rules Use is not indicated in pediatric patients less than 5 months of age.
Condition-specific eligibility rules Patients with renal disease (including impairment) or a history of oxalate kidney stones may have an increased risk of oxalate-related kidney damage.
Eligibility-related restrictions Patients with Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency are at risk of severe hemolysis and must use a reduced dose (not to exceed the U.S. Recommended Dietary Allowance).
Pregnancy and lactation eligibility Use is allowed, but intake should not exceed the U.S. Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) or daily Adequate Intake (AI) level.

Eligibility Classifications (High-Level)

Official eligibility is defined by a floor age of five months, with conditional constraints applying to sensitive populations. The FDA label classifies conditions like G6PD deficiency and renal impairment as requiring a Warning/Precaution or a Dosage Reduction in Specific Populations, rather than absolute non-eligibility.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Laroscorbine Interactions with other medicines and products

Laroscorbine (Ascorbic Acid) has documented interactions that can affect the activity or systemic exposure of co-administered medicines, as detailed in official regulatory prescribing information.


Documented Interaction Patterns

Interaction Type Affected Substances and Required Action
Decreased Drug Activity Ascorbic Acid may decrease the activity of several antibiotics, including Erythromycin and Kanamycin. If decreased antibiotic efficacy is observed, the official label advises discontinuing Ascorbic Acid.
Exposure Modification Ascorbic Acid may lower the plasma levels of mathbfAmphetamine and mathbfFluphenazine by increasing their excretion due to urine acidification.
Toxicity Risk Concurrent use of mathbfDeferoxamine enhances iron excretion but requires monitoring due to a documented risk of cardiovascular effects. Combining with Amygdalin may increase the risk of cyanide toxicity.
Altered Absorption Ascorbic Acid may increase the oral absorption of Iron and Aluminum-containing antacids. The oral use of antacids is not recommended, particularly in patients with renal insufficiency.

Procedural and Timing Constraints

Ascorbic Acid can interfere with certain laboratory tests that rely on oxidation-reduction reactions, such as blood or urine glucose levels. Regulatory documents specify that such tests should be delayed for 24 hours after an Ascorbic Acid infusion to avoid inaccurate results.

Mechanism of Action

How Laroscorbine Works

Laroscorbine's active ingredient, ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), is a water-soluble molecule. Its mechanism of action centers on its capacity as a reducing agent and enzyme cofactor, influencing several key biological systems and pathways.


Modulating Oxidative Stress Pathways

Ascorbic acid acts as an antioxidant, engaging mechanisms that regulate processes involving reactive oxygen species (ROS) and free radicals. It directly scavenges these molecules by electron donation, which terminates chain radical reactions and protects cellular components. This cascade results in the termination of radical chain reactions and modulation of the cellular redox state.


Supporting Biosynthetic Co-factor Function

The drug engages mechanisms that act within domains involving enzyme-mediated signaling, specifically by functioning as a cofactor for crucial hydroxylase enzymes. It is essential for the post-translational formation of 4-hydroxyproline—a critical step in the synthesis and stabilization of collagen and connective tissue structures. This action modifies early molecular steps that influence the regulation of processes driven by distinct signaling patterns required for collagen stabilization.


Regulating Iron Metabolism and Absorption

Laroscorbine modulates key pathways associated with iron metabolism. As a reducing agent, it affects systems by enhancing the intestinal absorption of non-heme iron through the reduction of the ferric form (Fe^3+) to the more easily absorbed ferrous form (Fe^2+). This mechanism is required for the regulation of processes involved in the formation of hemoglobin and red blood cells.

Dosage and Administration Information

Official Administration Guidelines

Laroscorbine (Ascorbic Acid) is administered according to specific, regulatory-defined routes, dosage ranges, and administration constraints. The primary routes of administration specified in official labeling are Oral (via tablets, lozenges, or drops) and Parenteral, encompassing Intravenous (IV), Intramuscular (IM), and Subcutaneous (SC) injection.

Dosing and Scheduling

The standard dosing regimen is highly dependent on the route selected. For the IV treatment of scurvy in adults and pediatric patients 11 years and older, the prescribed dose is 200 mg once daily. Oral treatment for deficiency states typically involves a daily range of 300 mg to 1 gram, often taken in divided doses over the course of the day.

Procedural Requirements and Limits

The injectable solution requires non-negotiable procedural steps. It must be diluted in a suitable parenteral fluid, such as dextrose or saline solution, prior to administration. The diluted solution must then be administered as a slow intravenous infusion at a controlled rate, not as a rapid bolus.

Treatment courses for acute intravenous administration are strictly time-bound, with a recommended maximum duration of seven days (1 week) of daily use. For pediatric patients under 11, the IV dose is adjusted, ranging from 50 mg to 100 mg once daily, based on age. The official instructions focus solely on these standardized, label-based administration requirements.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Laroscorbine contains the active substance ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), which is essential for collagen formation, tissue repair, and acting as an antioxidant. The primary historical indication for ascorbic acid injection is the prevention and treatment of scurvy (severe Vitamin C deficiency) when oral administration is not possible.

Areas of Research and Clinical Study

Recent clinical research has explored the therapeutic potential of ascorbic acid, often using high-dose intravenous (IV) administration, in several different areas beyond its role as a nutritional supplement. The findings are primarily from early-phase or specialized studies:

  • Supportive Care in Cancer: Limited early-phase clinical trials have investigated the use of high-dose intravenous ascorbic acid in conjunction with chemotherapy and radiation for cancer. Initial findings from these small studies suggest that high-dose IV ascorbic acid was generally well tolerated and may help decrease some chemotherapy-related side effects. The data is not conclusive for efficacy, and further, larger trials are necessary to determine its full role, if any, in cancer treatment.

  • Cardiovascular Health: Research in cardiovascular health, often conducted with oral Vitamin C supplementation, has observed an inverse relationship between plasma Vitamin C concentrations and blood pressure in certain populations. Meta-analyses of some randomized controlled trials found that oral supplementation may be associated with improvements in endothelial function, particularly in individuals over 56 years old or those with pre-existing conditions like diabetes or heart failure. However, high-quality, long-term trials are still needed to confirm a sustained effect on cardiovascular risk.

  • Dermatology and Skin Health: Topical and injectable forms of ascorbic acid have been studied for their effects on skin aging, hyperpigmentation, and photodamage. Studies suggest that ascorbic acid, due to its role in collagen synthesis and its antioxidant properties, may help improve skin elasticity, reduce hyperpigmentation, and promote wound healing. Clinical results for cosmetic applications are variable, with some small trials showing improvements in skin texture and wrinkle parameters.

Key Studies & References

  1. Intravenous Vitamin C (PDQ®): Supportive Care in Cancer - National Cancer Institute

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Laroscorbine (FAQ)

Q: Is Laroscorbine the same as regular Vitamin C supplements?

A: Laroscorbine contains ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), which is the same essential nutrient found in regular oral supplements. However, Laroscorbine is regulated as a prescription injectable solution used to treat severe deficiency when a patient cannot take the medicine orally or when oral intake is insufficient. Regular Vitamin C products are generally sold over-the-counter.

Q: Does Laroscorbine interact with common pain relievers like aspirin or ibuprofen?

A: Official drug labeling details specific interaction patterns with other medicines, but may not explicitly list every common pain reliever like ibuprofen or aspirin. Regulatory warnings about specific interactions with common pain relievers like ibuprofen or aspirin are typically not included in the official labeling. Patients are advised to inform their healthcare provider about all medicines they are using.

Q: Can I use Laroscorbine while taking prescription blood thinners?

A: Ascorbic acid may interact with certain prescription blood thinners, such as warfarin. Official labeling recommends that if both products are used together, blood clotting parameters should continue to be monitored as usual. This monitoring of blood parameters is generally required when both products are used.

Q: Is Laroscorbine safe for use during pregnancy?

A: Use of Laroscorbine during pregnancy is permitted, but official sources indicate that intake should not exceed the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for pregnant individuals. Published literature reports no adverse developmental outcomes associated with the product when used at the recommended levels.

Q: Can Laroscorbine be used by people who are breastfeeding?

A: The active ingredient is present in human milk following oral use, and its use while breastfeeding is allowed. Official information advises that the patient's intake should not exceed the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for lactating individuals. Data on the presence of the product in human milk after intravenous dosing is not available in the official prescribing information.

Q: Is Laroscorbine generally considered safe for elderly patients?

A: Use in elderly (geriatric) patients is covered under the adult population, but official labels caution this group may be at an increased risk of oxalate nephropathy, which is a type of kidney-related damage. Due to this potential risk, assessment of the patient’s individual kidney function is noted in official documentation.

Q: Does Laroscorbine affect blood sugar levels?

A: Official labeling notes that the product may interfere with laboratory tests that measure blood or urine glucose (sugar) levels. This can lead to inaccurate test results because the drug chemically interferes with the test method. The warning is related to the test procedure, not necessarily a change in the patient's actual blood sugar.

Q: What type of healthcare professional is qualified to administer Laroscorbine?

A: The injectable form of Laroscorbine is intended for administration by a trained healthcare professional, such as a doctor or nurse. Administration must be performed as a slow intravenous infusion following the specific procedural steps, including dilution, which requires professional training and supervision.

Q: Why do some people receive Laroscorbine infusions at a clinic?

A: The injection is typically reserved for treating a severe deficiency when a patient cannot take the medicine orally or when oral intake is insufficient. This method of delivery requires the product to be diluted and administered as a slow infusion under professional supervision, which necessitates a clinical setting.

Q: What are the recognized symptoms of a Laroscorbine deficiency that it is used to treat?

A: The injectable product is indicated for the treatment of severe Vitamin C deficiency, commonly known as scurvy. Symptoms of scurvy listed in official sources include fatigue, poor wound healing, joint pain, and bleeding gums.

Q: How quickly should I expect Laroscorbine to start working?

A: For the treatment of scurvy, clinical improvements in symptoms may be observed over a period of up to 4 weeks. The acute administration regimen is typically for a short duration, but improvements in the deficiency may be observed over several weeks.

Q: Why might a doctor prescribe Laroscorbine over a regular Vitamin C tablet?

A: Laroscorbine (the injectable form) is generally prescribed for severe deficiency when oral administration is not possible, insufficient, or contraindicated. This route allows for rapid delivery and is typically used for short-term, acute treatment in a clinical setting.

Q: Does Laroscorbine have an effect on kidney function?

A: Official warnings state that patients with existing renal disease (kidney impairment) or a history of oxalate kidney stones may have an increased risk. This risk is related to oxalate nephropathy, a form of kidney damage that can occur with high or prolonged dosing.

Q: How is Laroscorbine classified by major health regulatory bodies (like the FDA or EMA)?

A: Laroscorbine is classified by regulatory bodies as a Vitamin Supplement and an essential nutrient source, with the active ingredient being Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C). It is also recognized on the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Essential Medicines List.

Q: What research is currently being done on new uses for Laroscorbine?

A: The U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) lists studies that investigate high-dose intravenous ascorbic acid as a supportive care treatment for certain solid tumor diseases. These studies are typically early-phase research efforts and do not represent official indications for the product.

Q: Is it normal to feel a slight pain at the injection site after receiving Laroscorbine?

A: Yes, the official prescribing information lists pain and swelling at the site of infusion as one of the most common adverse reactions reported in clinical data. The pain and swelling is reported in clinical data as an adverse reaction following the administration procedure.

Q: Does Laroscorbine need to be refrigerated or stored in a special way?

A: The official label states that the injectable solution must be stored at a controlled room temperature, typically below 30°C. Because the product is light sensitive, it must also be protected from light exposure until the time of administration.

Q: Does the body store Laroscorbine or is it quickly eliminated?

A: Ascorbic acid is categorized as a water-soluble vitamin, meaning it has limited storage capacity in the body. When the body's needs are met, any excess amount of the compound is typically and readily eliminated through the urine.

Q: Is there a maximum length of time Laroscorbine is typically used for?

A: For the intravenous treatment of scurvy, official administration guidelines recommend that the maximum duration of daily treatment should be limited to a short term, typically up to one week. The determination of the total course of treatment falls under the scope of professional guidance.

Q: How does Laroscorbine affect the body's natural production of Vitamin C?

A: Humans are unable to naturally synthesize (produce) Vitamin C on their own, which is why it is considered an essential nutrient that must be obtained externally. Laroscorbine provides this necessary external source to help correct a deficiency state.

Q: Is Laroscorbine used in combination with other common vitamins or minerals?

A: When treating certain deficiencies, the active ingredient, ascorbic acid, is sometimes used alongside other nutrients. Official documents mention that it is known to enhance the absorption of non-heme iron from the gut, which is a key mechanism for iron metabolism in the body.

Q: Why does my official drug leaflet mention specific laboratory value warnings?

A: The warning in official labeling exists because the active ingredient is a powerful reducing agent that can interfere with certain laboratory tests, particularly those relying on oxidation-reduction reactions, like glucose measurements. This interference can result in false or inaccurate test values.

Q: What does 'Laroscorbine is a derivative of L-ascorbic acid' mean in simple terms?

A: Laroscorbine contains Sodium Ascorbate, which is the neutral, non-acidic salt form of L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C). This form is used to improve the stability and tolerance of the product, particularly for the injectable solution, while delivering the same active vitamin to the body.

Q: Are there any studies examining Laroscorbine's role in tissue repair?

A: Ascorbic acid, the active ingredient, is recognized as an essential cofactor for the enzymes that synthesize collagen, which is the body's primary structural protein. This foundational biochemical role is crucial for processes related to tissue repair and wound healing.

Q: Is it possible to become dependent on Laroscorbine after long-term use?

A: Yes, official safety information indicates that prolonged use or administration of high doses can lead to serious risks. These include the formation of calcium oxalate kidney stones and, in patients with G6PD deficiency, a condition called acute hemolytic anemia.

Q: Are there genetic conditions that affect how Laroscorbine works?

A: Official labeling notes that patients with the genetic condition Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency are at risk of a serious blood-related side effect called acute hemolysis. Regulatory information indicates that intake should be maintained at a reduced level, not to exceed the recommended dietary allowance in these individuals.

Q: Why is Laroscorbine only available by prescription in some countries?

A: The injectable form of Laroscorbine is a high-concentration preparation used to treat severe deficiency that requires professional oversight. Because its administration route and associated warnings require a healthcare professional, the product is classified as prescription-only in certain regulatory jurisdictions.

Q: Can patients administer Laroscorbine themselves, or must it be done by a professional?

A: The injectable form is strictly designated for professional administration only. Regulatory documents require that it be diluted and administered as a slow intravenous infusion by a trained healthcare professional; it is not intended for self-administration.

Q: Can Laroscorbine interact with any herbal supplements?

A: Official drug labeling includes a specific warning about the risk of toxicity when combining ascorbic acid with Amygdalin, a substance that can be found in some herbal products. Patients should notify their healthcare provider about all herbal and supplement use to assess potential risks.

Q: Does Laroscorbine contain any allergens people should be aware of?

A: While the drug itself is an essential nutrient, official product information from some manufacturers has confirmed that their final injectable product was tested for common allergens like amino acids, proteins, polypeptides, and corn allergens, and none were detected.

Q: What happens to Laroscorbine in the body's metabolic process?

A: In the body’s metabolic process, ascorbic acid acts as an antioxidant and enzyme cofactor, which is crucial for chemical reactions that synthesize substances like collagen. The compound is then primarily eliminated from the body via the kidneys.

Q: Is it possible to take too much Laroscorbine?

A: Yes, official safety information indicates that prolonged use or administration of high doses can lead to serious risks. These include the formation of calcium oxalate kidney stones and, in patients with G6PD deficiency, a condition called acute hemolytic anemia.

How should Laroscorbine be stored and disposed of?

Storage and Disposal Requirements

Laroscorbine (Ascorbic Acid Injection) must be stored according to official regulatory labeling to preserve its stability. The injection is light sensitive and its exposure to light must be minimized. Storage temperature is restricted; the product must be generally stored below 30°C. The medicine must be kept out of the sight and reach of children.


For the Pharmacy Bulk Package (PBP), specific handling rules apply: the vial closure must be penetrated only one time, and all dispensing must be completed within 4 hours of that puncture. Any unused portion remaining in the vial after this time must be discarded. Disposal of all unused or expired product should follow applicable local regulations for pharmaceutical waste.

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

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