Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) and Deferoxamine: Interaction Details
AI-assisted, pharmacist-reviewed · Source data updated Aug 8, 2026 · Sources: FDA labeling, DDInter 2.0, cited literature
Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)
Deferoxamine
No brand names on record
How we grade severity & evidence
Severity levels
- Contraindicated: These should generally not be used together.
- Major: Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
- Moderate: Can be significant — usually manageable with monitoring.
- Minor: Usually limited clinical impact.
Evidence grades
- Established: Well documented — supported by controlled studies or strong clinical data.
- Probable: Good supporting evidence, though not definitively proven.
- Suspected: Some evidence suggests this interaction, but it is not well established.
- Possible: Limited or conflicting evidence; the interaction may occur.
- Theoretical: Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.
Ratings come from the documented interaction literature and are reviewed by a pharmacist. They describe the documented risk of the combination, not what will necessarily happen to you — your dose, timing, and health picture all matter.
What happens
Impairment of cardiac function
Interaction Deep Dive
Ascorbic acid increases the availability of iron for chelation. Ascorbic acid supplementation is not recommended in patients with cardiac failure. Cardiac function impairment has been reported in patients with severe chronic iron overload who received high doses of ascorbic acid (more than 500 mg daily in adults) with deferoxamine. The cardiac dysfunction was reversible with discontinuation of ascorbic acid. If ascorbic acid supplementation is required in a patient receiving deferoxamine therapy, only initiate ascorbic acid after the patient has received 1 month of regular deferoxamine treatments and only if the patient is receiving treatments regularly, ideally soon after the infusion pump is set up. Do not exceed ascorbic acid doses of 200 mg/day (given in divided doses) in adults, 50 mg/day in children under 10 years of age, or 100 mg/day in older children. Monitoring of cardiac function is recommended during coadministration1.
Why it happens (mechanism)
Increased availability of iron for chelation by ascorbic acid
Common questions
Can I take Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) and Deferoxamine together?
Impairment of cardiac function Always confirm with your pharmacist or prescriber before making any change.
How serious is the Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) and Deferoxamine interaction?
It is rated major. Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
How quickly could this interaction happen?
The documented onset is "unspecified". The timing of this interaction is not well characterized.
How strong is the evidence for this interaction?
The evidence is graded "probable". Good supporting evidence, though not definitively proven.
Questions for your pharmacist
- Does my dose of Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) or Deferoxamine need adjusting while I take them together?
- What symptoms should prompt me to call you or my prescriber right away?
- Does the timing of my doses matter for this combination?
- Is there a safer alternative to one of these medications for me?
References (1)
- Product Information: Desferal(R) intramuscular, subcutaneous, intravenous injection, deferoxamine mesylate intramuscular, subcutaneous, intravenous injection. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation (per FDA), East Hanover, NJ, 2011.
Keep reading about Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)
Keep reading about Deferoxamine
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