Buffered C-500 Ingredients & Drug Interactions
by Nature's Way
What is this page for?
First and foremost: checking Buffered C-500 against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.
Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy
Buffered C-500 is a dietary supplement by Nature's Way with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for common cold and immune support, antioxidant support, skin health and collagen formation.Based on those ingredients, 207 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Vitamin C. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.
Check Your Meds Against Buffered C-500 by Nature's Way
Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Buffered C-500 by Nature's Way — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.
AI summaries are generated from our interaction database for education only — always confirm with your pharmacist. How we use AI
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Buffered C-500 by Nature's Way
Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.
What’s inside
Full disclosure
Buffered C-500 is a single-ingredient supplement: vitamin C, an antioxidant your body needs for immune function, wound healing, and collagen formation. The product uses inactive ingredients — gelatin, cellulose, and magnesium stearate — to form the capsule and hold it together.
Does it work?
Moderate evidence
Vitamin C is effective for preventing and treating vitamin C deficiency. The evidence is less settled for other uses: the data we hold rates it possibly effective for anemia that comes with chronic disease, atrial fibrillation, cataracts, and exercise-induced respiratory infections, but that doesn't mean it will work for everyone or that the science is conclusive.
How safe is it?
Well-documented data
Vitamin C is generally well tolerated at normal doses. However, very high doses can cause side effects — the most common are abdominal cramps, heartburn, diarrhea, nausea, and headache, especially above 2 grams daily.
People prone to kidney stones should be cautious, as high doses have been linked to kidney stones. The safety data on this product in pregnancy shows it is likely safe at normal dietary amounts and from prenatal vitamins, but you should avoid high-dose supplements in pregnancy unless your doctor directs it.
For breastfeeding, the data is insufficient — talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking a high-dose vitamin C supplement while nursing.
Meds to double-check
Moderate interaction found
Check before taking this if you're on estrogens (birth control, hormone replacement therapy), blood thinners like warfarin, chemotherapy drugs, levothyroxine (thyroid medication), indinavir (HIV medication), or the antipsychotic fluphenazine. All of these have documented interactions with vitamin C.
The bottom line
Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.
Buffered C-500 works well if you're deficient in vitamin C or want to try it for other uses like immune support or wound healing. If you take birth control, hormone replacement therapy, blood thinners, chemotherapy, thyroid medication, HIV medication, or an antipsychotic, check your specific drugs with your pharmacist or doctor before starting this product — it can change how those medications work.
Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI
Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Feb 21, 2023.
This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed
General information
Key facts about Buffered C-500, straight from the product label.
| Brand | Nature's Way |
|---|---|
| Barcode (UPC) | 033674403211 |
| Net contents | 250 Capsule(s) |
| Market status | On market |
| Date entered into DSLD | Feb 21, 2023 |
| DSLD ID | 273382 |
| Product type | Vitamin |
| Supplement form | Capsule |
| Dietary claims / uses | Nutrient, All Other, Structure/Function |
| Intended target group(s) | Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Dairy Free |
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.
Supplement Facts
The label details for Buffered C-500 by Nature's Way, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.
Supplement Facts
| Ingredient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Vitamin C | 500 mg | 556% |
Other ingredients: Gelatin, Cellulose, Magnesium Stearate
Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Formulation
Supports immune health
Gluten free. No yeast-derived ingredients, wheat, soy, dairy, or artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
Formula
Vitamin C provides powerful antioxidant protection, supports immune function, and strengthens collagen for healthy skin. Our Vitamin C is carefully tested and produced to superior quality standards.
Mineral ascorbates 500 mg Vitamin C per serving
FDA Disclaimer Statement
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Brand IP Statement(s)
Nature's Way since 1969
Copyright 2021 Nature's Way Brands, LLC
FDA Statement of Identity
Dietary Supplement
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions
Recommendation: Take 1 capsule one to two times daily, preferably with food.
Precautions
If you are pregnant, nursing, or taking any medications, consult a healthcare professional before use.
Keep out of reach of children.
Safety sealed with printed inner seal. Do not use if seal is broken or missing.
Storage
Keep tightly closed. Store at room temperature. Avoid excessive heat and direct sunlight.
General Statements
Questions? 1-800-9NATURE/naturesway.com Bottles made from 97% post-consumer recycled plastic
Seals/Symbols
Quality Global Sourcing Bottled & Tested In The USA
Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.
Buffered C-500 by Nature's Way label
The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.
Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.
View the full label (PDF)The Ingredients in Buffered C-500 by Nature's Way
This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.
Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container250 Amounts shown are per serving.
Vitamin C
Interacts with207 drugs
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is an essential nutrient your body needs but cannot make, so you must get it from food or supplements. It's important for im...
Vitamin C monograph & interactionsOther (inactive) ingredients: Gelatin, Cellulose, Magnesium Stearate. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.
Buffered C-500 by Nature's Way Drug Interactions
HelloPharmacist Interaction Report
Buffered C-500 by Nature's Way contains vitamin C, which interacts with a number of medications.
The most serious concern is with estrogens (including birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy): vitamin C can increase blood levels of estrogen by up to 55% in some cases, which may raise your risk of estrogen-related side effects.
Read the full breakdown — every affected drug type, severity by severity
Vitamin C also has documented Moderate interactions with blood thinners like warfarin — high doses may reduce how well the drug works — and with certain chemotherapy drugs (alkylating agents and antitumor antibiotics), where antioxidant effects might interfere with how the cancer medication kills cells. It can also increase the absorption of aluminum from aluminum-containing products, raise levothyroxine (thyroid medication) absorption, and modestly lower indinavir (an HIV medication) levels.
One antipsychotic (fluphenazine) has a case report of decreased levels when vitamin C was added. Altogether, these interactions span 207 individual medications.
If you take any of these drug types or any prescription medication, check your exact drugs with the tool on this page before you start.
Check your own medications below · Editorial policy · How we use AI
Want to check YOUR meds against Buffered C-500?
Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.
Go to the checkerIngredients driving the most interactions
Individual Drug Interactions
The ingredients in Buffered C-500 interact with 207 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.
1 of the 1 ingredient in Buffered C-500 interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Vitamin C
AcetaminophenChildren's Tylenol, Children's Tylenol Meltaways, Tylenol, Tylenol Ex Strength
How Acetaminophen interacts with Buffered C-500 — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAcetaminophen (tylenol, Others) Minor
Interaction Summary
High-dose vitamin C might slightly prolong the clearance of acetaminophen.
Read the full Vitamin C + Acetaminophen interactionAcetaminophen, AspirinGemnisyn
How Acetaminophen, Aspirin interacts with Buffered C-500 — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAcetaminophen (tylenol, Others), Aspirin Minor
Interaction Summary
High-dose vitamin C might slightly prolong the clearance of acetaminophen.
Read the full Vitamin C + Acetaminophen, Aspirin interactionAcetaminophen, Aspirin, CaffeineExcedrin, Excedrin Extra Strength, Excedrin Migraine
How Acetaminophen, Aspirin, Caffeine interacts with Buffered C-500 — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAcetaminophen (tylenol, Others), Aspirin Minor
Interaction Summary
High-dose vitamin C might slightly prolong the clearance of acetaminophen.
Read the full Vitamin C + Acetaminophen, Aspirin, Caffeine interactionAcetaminophen, Brompheniramine, PhenylpropanolamineDimetapp Cold and Flu
How Acetaminophen, Brompheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine interacts with Buffered C-500 — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAcetaminophen (tylenol, Others) Minor
Interaction Summary
High-dose vitamin C might slightly prolong the clearance of acetaminophen.
Read the full Vitamin C + Acetaminophen, Brompheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine interactionAcetaminophen, ButalbitalAxocet, Bancap, Bucet, Butex Forte, Esgic CF, Orbivan CF +5 more
How Acetaminophen, Butalbital interacts with Buffered C-500 — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAcetaminophen (tylenol, Others) Minor
Interaction Summary
High-dose vitamin C might slightly prolong the clearance of acetaminophen.
Read the full Vitamin C + Acetaminophen, Butalbital interactionAcetaminophen, Butalbital, CaffeineEsgic, Esgic Plus, Fiogesic, Fioricet, Repan, Tecnal +1 more
How Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine interacts with Buffered C-500 — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAcetaminophen (tylenol, Others) Minor
Interaction Summary
High-dose vitamin C might slightly prolong the clearance of acetaminophen.
Read the full Vitamin C + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine interactionAcetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, CodeineEsgic with Codeine, Fioricet w/ Codeine
How Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, Codeine interacts with Buffered C-500 — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAcetaminophen (tylenol, Others) Minor
Interaction Summary
High-dose vitamin C might slightly prolong the clearance of acetaminophen.
Read the full Vitamin C + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, Codeine interactionAcetaminophen, Butalbital, CodeineBancap w/ Codeine
How Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine interacts with Buffered C-500 — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAcetaminophen (tylenol, Others) Minor
Interaction Summary
High-dose vitamin C might slightly prolong the clearance of acetaminophen.
Read the full Vitamin C + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine interactionAcetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine PhosphatePhrenilin #3
How Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine Phosphate interacts with Buffered C-500 — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAcetaminophen (tylenol, Others) Minor
Interaction Summary
High-dose vitamin C might slightly prolong the clearance of acetaminophen.
Read the full Vitamin C + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine Phosphate interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, Chlorpheniramine, Hydrocodone, PhenylephrineHycomine Compound
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Chlorpheniramine, Hydrocodone, Phenylephrine interacts with Buffered C-500 — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAcetaminophen (tylenol, Others) Minor
Interaction Summary
High-dose vitamin C might slightly prolong the clearance of acetaminophen.
Read the full Vitamin C + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Chlorpheniramine, Hydrocodone, Phenylephrine interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, CodeineGesic C15, Gesic C30, Gesic C8, Lenoltec 1, Lenoltec 2, Lenoltec 3 +1 more
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine interacts with Buffered C-500 — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAcetaminophen (tylenol, Others) Minor
Interaction Summary
High-dose vitamin C might slightly prolong the clearance of acetaminophen.
Read the full Vitamin C + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine, SalicylamideCodalan No.1, Codalan No.2, Codalan No.3
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine, Salicylamide interacts with Buffered C-500 — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAcetaminophen (tylenol, Others) Minor
Interaction Summary
High-dose vitamin C might slightly prolong the clearance of acetaminophen.
Read the full Vitamin C + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine, Salicylamide interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, DihydrocodeineDHC Plus, Panlor DC, Panlor SS
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Dihydrocodeine interacts with Buffered C-500 — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAcetaminophen (tylenol, Others) Minor
Interaction Summary
High-dose vitamin C might slightly prolong the clearance of acetaminophen.
Read the full Vitamin C + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Dihydrocodeine interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, IsomethepteneMigralam
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Isometheptene interacts with Buffered C-500 — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAcetaminophen (tylenol, Others) Minor
Interaction Summary
High-dose vitamin C might slightly prolong the clearance of acetaminophen.
Read the full Vitamin C + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Isometheptene interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, PyrilamineMidol Max Strength Menstrual
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Pyrilamine interacts with Buffered C-500 — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAcetaminophen (tylenol, Others) Minor
Interaction Summary
High-dose vitamin C might slightly prolong the clearance of acetaminophen.
Read the full Vitamin C + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Pyrilamine interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Dextromethorphan HbrVicks Formula 44M Cough, Cold & Flu Relief
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Dextromethorphan Hbr interacts with Buffered C-500 — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAcetaminophen (tylenol, Others) Minor
Interaction Summary
High-dose vitamin C might slightly prolong the clearance of acetaminophen.
Read the full Vitamin C + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Dextromethorphan Hbr interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, PhenylephrineColrex
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, Phenylephrine interacts with Buffered C-500 — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAcetaminophen (tylenol, Others) Minor
Interaction Summary
High-dose vitamin C might slightly prolong the clearance of acetaminophen.
Read the full Vitamin C + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, Phenylephrine interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, DextromethorphanCoricidin II Extra Strength Cold and Flu
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan interacts with Buffered C-500 — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAcetaminophen (tylenol, Others) Minor
Interaction Summary
High-dose vitamin C might slightly prolong the clearance of acetaminophen.
Read the full Vitamin C + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan HydrobromideCoricidin HBP Maximum Strength Flu
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide interacts with Buffered C-500 — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAcetaminophen (tylenol, Others) Minor
Interaction Summary
High-dose vitamin C might slightly prolong the clearance of acetaminophen.
Read the full Vitamin C + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, PhenylpropanolamineMulti Symptom Cold Relief
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Phenylpropanolamine interacts with Buffered C-500 — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAcetaminophen (tylenol, Others) Minor
Interaction Summary
High-dose vitamin C might slightly prolong the clearance of acetaminophen.
Read the full Vitamin C + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Phenylpropanolamine interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, PseudoephedrineChildren's Tylenol Cold Plus Cough, Tylenol Cold Ex Strength
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Pseudoephedrine interacts with Buffered C-500 — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAcetaminophen (tylenol, Others) Minor
Interaction Summary
High-dose vitamin C might slightly prolong the clearance of acetaminophen.
Read the full Vitamin C + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Pseudoephedrine interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine, SalicylamideRhinogesic GG
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine, Salicylamide interacts with Buffered C-500 — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAcetaminophen (tylenol, Others) Minor
Interaction Summary
High-dose vitamin C might slightly prolong the clearance of acetaminophen.
Read the full Vitamin C + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine, Salicylamide interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, PhenylephrineAlka-Seltzer PLUS, Histex SR, Protid
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine interacts with Buffered C-500 — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAcetaminophen (tylenol, Others) Minor
Interaction Summary
High-dose vitamin C might slightly prolong the clearance of acetaminophen.
Read the full Vitamin C + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine, SalicylamideRhinogesic, Rhinogesic JR
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine, Salicylamide interacts with Buffered C-500 — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAcetaminophen (tylenol, Others) Minor
Interaction Summary
High-dose vitamin C might slightly prolong the clearance of acetaminophen.
Read the full Vitamin C + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine, Salicylamide interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, PhenylpropanolamineAlumadrine, Conex, Sinadrin Max Strength, Sinulin
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine interacts with Buffered C-500 — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAcetaminophen (tylenol, Others) Minor
Interaction Summary
High-dose vitamin C might slightly prolong the clearance of acetaminophen.
Read the full Vitamin C + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, OpiumHista-Derfule
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, Opium interacts with Buffered C-500 — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAcetaminophen (tylenol, Others) Minor
Interaction Summary
High-dose vitamin C might slightly prolong the clearance of acetaminophen.
Read the full Vitamin C + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, Opium interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, PhenyltoloxamineNorel Plus
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, Phenyltoloxamine interacts with Buffered C-500 — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAcetaminophen (tylenol, Others) Minor
Interaction Summary
High-dose vitamin C might slightly prolong the clearance of acetaminophen.
Read the full Vitamin C + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, Phenyltoloxamine interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, PseudoephedrineAlka-Seltzer PLUS Liquid Gels, Children's Tylenol Cold, Codimal, Comtrex, Extra Strength Tylenol Allergy Sinus, Lorsin +3 more
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Pseudoephedrine interacts with Buffered C-500 — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAcetaminophen (tylenol, Others) Minor
Interaction Summary
High-dose vitamin C might slightly prolong the clearance of acetaminophen.
Read the full Vitamin C + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Pseudoephedrine interactionAcetaminophen, ChlorzoxazoneAcetazone Forte, Extra Strength Tylenol Aches & Strains, Parafon Forte
How Acetaminophen, Chlorzoxazone interacts with Buffered C-500 — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAcetaminophen (tylenol, Others) Minor
Interaction Summary
High-dose vitamin C might slightly prolong the clearance of acetaminophen.
Read the full Vitamin C + Acetaminophen, Chlorzoxazone interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorzoxazone, CodeineAcetazone Forte C8, Parafon Forte C8
How Acetaminophen, Chlorzoxazone, Codeine interacts with Buffered C-500 — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAcetaminophen (tylenol, Others) Minor
Interaction Summary
High-dose vitamin C might slightly prolong the clearance of acetaminophen.
Read the full Vitamin C + Acetaminophen, Chlorzoxazone, Codeine interactionEach ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects
For each ingredient in Buffered C-500 with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.
Vitamin C
Alkylating Agents
Theoretically, antioxidant effects of vitamin C might reduce the effectiveness of alkylating agents.
The use of antioxidants like vitamin C during chemotherapy is controversial. There is concern that antioxidants could reduce the activity of chemotherapy drugs that generate free radicals, such as cyclophosphamide, chlorambucil, carmustine, busulfan, and thiotepa. In contrast, some researchers theorize that antioxidants might make chemotherapy more effective by reducing oxidative stress that could interfere with apoptosis (cell death) of cancer cells. More evidence is needed to determine what effect, if any, antioxidants such as vitamin C have on chemotherapy.
Aluminum
Vitamin C can increase the amount of aluminum absorbed from aluminum compounds.
Research in animals and humans shows that vitamin C increases aluminum absorption, theoretically by chelating aluminum and keeping it in solution where it is available for absorption. In people with normal renal function, urinary excretion of aluminum will likely increase, making aluminum retention and toxicity unlikely. Patients with renal failure who take aluminum-containing compounds such as phosphate binders should avoid vitamin C supplements in doses above the recommended dietary allowances.
Antitumor Antibiotics
Theoretically, the antioxidant effects of vitamin C might reduce the effectiveness of antitumor antibiotics.
The use of antioxidants like vitamin C during chemotherapy is controversial. There is concern that antioxidants could reduce the activity of chemotherapy drugs which generate free radicals, such as doxorubicin. In contrast, some researchers theorize that antioxidants might make chemotherapy more effective by reducing oxidative stress that could interfere with apoptosis (cell death) of cancer cells. More evidence is needed to determine what effects, if any, antioxidants such as vitamin C have on chemotherapy.
Estrogens
Vitamin C might increase blood levels of estrogens.
Increases in plasma estrogen levels of up to 55% occur under some circumstances when vitamin C is taken concurrently with oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy, including topical products. It is suggested that vitamin C prevents oxidation of estrogen in the tissues, regenerates oxidized estrogen, and reduces sulfate conjugation of estrogen in the gut wall. When tissue levels of vitamin C are high, these processes are already maximized and supplemental vitamin C does not have any effect on estrogen levels. Increases in plasma estrogen levels may occur when patients who are deficient in vitamin C take supplements. Monitor these patients for estrogen-related side effects.
Fluphenazine (Prolixin)
Theoretically, vitamin C might decrease levels of fluphenazine.
In one patient there was a clinically significant decrease in fluphenazine levels when vitamin C (500 mg twice daily) was started. The mechanism is not known, and there is no further data to confirm this interaction.
Indinavir (Crixivan)
Vitamin C can modestly reduce indinavir levels.
One pharmacokinetic study shows that taking vitamin C 1 gram orally once daily along with indinavir 800 mg orally three times daily reduces the area under the concentration-time curve of indinavir by 14%. The mechanism of this interaction is unknown, but it is unlikely to be clinically significant in most patients. The effect of higher doses of vitamin C on indinavir levels is unknown.
Levothyroxine (Synthroid, Others)
Vitamin C can increase levothyroxine absorption.
Two clinical studies in adults with poorly controlled hypothyroidism show that swallowing levothyroxine with a glass of water containing vitamin C 500-1000 mg in solution reduces thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels and increases thyroxine (T4) levels when compared with taking levothyroxine alone. This suggests that vitamin C increases the oral absorption of levothyroxine, possibly due to a reduction in pH.
Warfarin (Coumadin)
High-dose vitamin C might reduce the levels and effectiveness of warfarin.
Vitamin C in high doses may cause diarrhea and possibly reduce warfarin absorption. There are reports of two people who took up to 16 grams daily of vitamin C and had a reduction in prothrombin time. Lower doses of 5-10 grams daily can also reduce warfarin absorption. In many cases, this does not seem to be clinically significant. However, a case of warfarin resistance has been reported for a patient who took vitamin C 500 mg twice daily. Cessation of vitamin C supplementation resulted in a rapid increase in international normalized ratio (INR). Tell patients taking warfarin to avoid taking vitamin C in excessively high doses (greater than 10 grams daily). Lower doses may be safe, but the anticoagulation activity of warfarin should be monitored. Patients who are stabilized on warfarin while taking vitamin C should avoid adjusting vitamin C dosage to prevent the possibility of warfarin resistance.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol, Others)
High-dose vitamin C might slightly prolong the clearance of acetaminophen.
A small pharmacokinetic study in healthy volunteers shows that taking high-dose vitamin C (3 grams) 1.5 hours after taking acetaminophen 1 gram slightly increases the apparent half-life of acetaminophen from around 2.3 hours to 3.1 hours. Ascorbic acid competitively inhibits sulfate conjugation of acetaminophen. However, to compensate, elimination of acetaminophen glucuronide and unconjugated acetaminophen increases. This effect is not likely to be clinically significant.
Aspirin
Acidification of the urine by vitamin C might increase aspirin levels.
It has been suggested that acidification of the urine by vitamin C could increase reabsorption of salicylates by the renal tubules, and increase plasma salicylate levels. However, short-term use of up to 6 grams daily of vitamin C does not seem to affect urinary pH or salicylate excretion, suggesting this interaction is not clinically significant.
Choline Magnesium Trisalicylate (Trilisate)
Acidification of the urine by vitamin C might increase choline magnesium trisalicylate levels.
It has been suggested that acidification of the urine by vitamin C could increase reabsorption of salicylates by the renal tubules, and increase plasma salicylate levels. However, short-term use of up to 6 grams daily of vitamin C does not seem to affect urinary pH or salicylate excretion, suggesting this interaction probably is not clinically significant.
Niacin
Vitamin C might decrease the beneficial effects of niacin on high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels.
A combination of niacin and simvastatin (Zocor) effectively raises HDL cholesterol levels in patients with coronary disease and low HDL levels. Clinical research shows that taking a combination of antioxidants (vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, and selenium) along with niacin and simvastatin (Zocor) attenuates this rise in HDL, specifically the HDL-2 and apolipoprotein A1 fractions, by more than 50% in patients with coronary disease. It is not known whether this adverse effect is due to a single antioxidant such as vitamin C, or to the combination. It also is not known whether it will occur in other patient populations.
Salsalate (Disalcid)
Acidification of the urine by vitamin C might increase salsalate levels.
It has been suggested that acidification of the urine by vitamin C could increase reabsorption of salicylates by the renal tubules, and increase plasma salicylate levels. However, short-term use of up to 6 grams/day vitamin C does not seem to affect urinary pH or salicylate excretion, suggesting this interaction probably is not clinically significant.
Brand information
Manufacturer and brand details for Buffered C-500, from the product label.
Nature's Way
See all Nature's Way products- Name
- Nature's Way Brands, LLC
- City
- Green Bay
- State
- WI
- ZipCode
- 54311
- Phone Number
- 1-800-962-8873
- Web Address
- naturesway.com
Buffered C-500 by Nature's Way: Common Questions
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Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.
The Full Monographs Behind Buffered C-500’s Ingredients
Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.
Sources & How We Checked
Buffered C-500's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.
- NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD) — The official product label on file for this supplement.
- Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) — Evidence-graded clinical reference behind the ingredient interaction data.
Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.
The 51 references behind this product’s interaction data
Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.
Vitamin C 51 references
- McEvoy GK, ed. AHFS Drug Information. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, 1998.
- Back DJ, Breckenridge AM, MacIver M, et al. Interaction of ethinyloestradiol with ascorbic acid in man. Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1981;282:1516.
- Morris JC, Beeley L, Ballantine N. Interaction of ethinyloestradiol with ascorbic acid in man [letter]. Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1981;283:503.
- Labriola D, Livingston R. Possible interactions between dietary antioxidants and chemotherapy. Oncology 1999;13:1003-8.
- Dwyer JH, Merz NB, Shirocre AM, et al. Progression of early atherosclerosis and intake of vitamin C and vitamin E from supplements and food. The Los Angeles Atherosclerosis Study. 41st Annual Conference on Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology and Prevent
- Levine M, Rumsey SC, Daruwala R, et al. Criteria and recommendations for vitamin C intake. JAMA 1999;281:1415-23. PubMed
- Hansten PD, Horn JR. Drug Interactions Analysis and Management. Vancouver, WA: Applied Therapeutics Inc., 1997 and updates.
- Segal S, Kaminski S. Drug-nutrient interactions. American Druggist 1996 Jul;42-8.
- Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Selenium, and Carotenoids. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2000. Available at: http://www.nap.edu/books/0309069351/html/.
- Houston JB, Levy G. Drug biotransformation interactions in man VI: Acetaminophen and ascorbic acid. J Pharm Sci 1976;65:1218-21. PubMed
- Brown BG, Zhao XQ, Chait A, et al. Simvastatin and niacin, antioxidant vitamins, or the combination for the prevention of coronary disease. N Engl J Med 2001;345:1583-93. DOI
- Rosenthal G. Interaction of ascorbic acid and warfarin. JAMA 1971;215:1671. DOI
- Hume R, Johnstone JM, Weyers E. Interaction of ascorbic acid and warfarin. JAMA 1972;219:1479. DOI
- Smith EC, Skalski RJ, Johnson GC, Rossi GV. Interaction of ascorbic acid and warfarin. JAMA 1972;221:1166. DOI
- Traxer O, Huet B, Poindexter J, et al. Effect of ascorbic acid consumption on urinary stone risk factors. J Urol 2003;170:397-401.. PubMed
- Domingo JL, Gomez M, Llobet JM, Richart C. Effect of ascorbic acid on gastrointestinal aluminum absorption (letter). Lancet 1991;338:1467.
- Domingo JL, Gomez M, Llobet JM, Corbella J. Influence of some dietary constituents on aluminum absorption and retention in rats. Kidney Int 1991;39:598-601. PubMed
- Partridge NA, Regnier FE, White JL, Hem SL. Influence of dietary constituents on intestinal absorption of aluminum. Kidney Int 1989;35:1413-7. PubMed
- Mc Leod DC, Nahata MC. Inefficacy of ascorbic acid as a urinary acidifier (letter). N Engl J Med 1977;296:1413. DOI
- Hansten PD, Hayton WL. Effect of antacid and ascorbic acid on serum salicylate concentration. J Clin Pharmacol 1980;20:326-31. PubMed
- Dysken MW, Cumming RJ, Channon RA, Davis JM. Drug interaction between ascorbic acid and fluphenazine. JAMA 1979;241:2008. DOI
- Vihtamaki T, Parantainen J, Koivisto AM, et al. Oral ascorbic acid increases plasma oestradiol during postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy. Maturitas 2002;42:129-35. PubMed
- Slain D, Amsden JR, Khakoo RA, et al. Effect of high-dose vitamin C on the steady-state pharmacokinetics of the protease inhibitor indinavir in healthy volunteers. Pharmacotherapy 2005;25:165-70. PubMed
- Cheung MC, Zhao XQ, Chait A, et al. Antioxidant supplements block the response of HDL to simvastatin-niacin therapy in patients with coronary artery disease and low HDL. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2001;21:1320-6. PubMed
- Feetam CL, Leach RH, Meynell MJ. Lack of a clinically important interaction between warfarin and ascorbic acid. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 1975;31:544-7. PubMed
- Weintraub M, Griner PF. Warfarin and ascorbic acid: lack of evidence for a drug interaction. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 1974;28:53-6. PubMed
- Lee DH, Folsom AR, Harnack L, et al. Does supplemental vitamin C increase cardiovascular disease risk in women with diabetes? Am J Clin Nutr 2004;80:1194-200. PubMed
- Taylor EN, Stampfer MJ, Curhan GC. Dietary factors and the risk of incident kidney stones in men: new insights after 14 years of follow-up. J Am Soc Nephrol 2004;15:3225-32. PubMed
- Ward NC, Hodgson JM, Croft KD, et al. The combination of vitamin C and grape-seed polyphenols increases blood pressure: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. J Hypertens 2005;23:427-34.. PubMed
- Prasad KN. Rationale for using high-dose multiple dietary antioxidants as an adjunct to radiation therapy and chemotherapy. J Nutr 2004;134:3182S-3S. PubMed
- Conklin KA. Cancer chemotherapy and antioxidants. J Nutr 2004;134:3201S-3204S. PubMed
- Fairweather-Tait S, Hickson K, McGaw B, et al. Orange juice enhances aluminium absorption from antacid preparation. Eur J Clin Nutr. 1994;48(1):71-3.
- Gruenwald, J., Graubaum, H. J., Busch, R., and Bentley, C. Safety and tolerance of ester-C compared with regular ascorbic acid. Adv.Ther. 2006;23(1):171-178.
- Rahimi, R., Nikfar, S., Rezaie, A., and Abdollahi, M. A meta-analysis on the efficacy and safety of combined vitamin C and E supplementation in preeclamptic women. Hypertens.Pregnancy. 2009;28(4):417-434. PubMed
- Einerson, B., Nathorn, C., Kitiyakara, C., Sirada, M., and Thamlikitkul, V. The efficacy of ascorbic acid in suboptimal responsive anemic hemodialysis patients receiving erythropoietin: a meta-analysis. J Med.Assoc.Thai. 2011;94 Suppl 1:S134-S146.
- Li, G., Li, L., Yu, C., and Chen, L. Effect of vitamins C and E supplementation on Helicobacter pylori eradication: a meta-analysis. Br.J Nutr 2011;106(11):1632-1637.
- Chen X, Shen L, Gu X, et al. High-dose supplementation with vitamin C--induced pediatric urolithiasis: the first case report in a child and literature review. Urology. 2014;84(4):922-4. PubMed
- Sattar A, Willman JE, Kolluri R. Possible warfarin resistance due to interaction with ascorbic acid: case report and literature review. Am J Health Syst Pharm. 2013;70(9):782-6. PubMed
- Yaich S, Chaabouni Y, Charfeddine K, et al. Secondary oxalosis due to excess vitamin C intake: a cause of graft loss in a renal transplant recipient. Saudi J Kidney Dis Transpl. 2014;25(1):113-6. PubMed
- Jalloh MA, Gregory PJ, Hein D, et al. Dietary supplement interactions with antiretrovirals: a systematic review. Int J STD AIDS. 2017 Jan;28(1):4-15. PubMed
- Rumbold A, Ota E, Nagata C, Shahrook S, Crowther CA. Vitamin C supplementation in pregnancy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015;(9):CD004072. PubMed
- Seo MS, Kim JK, Shim JY. High-dose vitamin C promotes regression of multiple pulmonary metastases originating from hepatocellular carcinoma. Yonsei Med J. 2015;56(5):1449-52. PubMed
- Skelin M, Lucijanic T, Amidzic Klaric D, et al. Factors Affecting Gastrointestinal Absorption of Levothyroxine: A Review. Clin Ther. 2017 Feb;39(2):378-403. PubMed
- Jiang K, Tang K, Liu H, Xu H, Ye Z, Chen Z. Ascorbic acid supplements and kidney stones incidence among men and women: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Urol J. 2019;16(2):115-120.
- Thomas S, Patel D, Bittel B, et al. Effect of High-Dose Zinc and Ascorbic Acid Supplementation vs Usual Care on Symptom Length and Reduction Among Ambulatory Patients With SARS-CoV-2 Infection: The COVID A to Z Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open. 2 PubMed
- Giffen MA, McLemore JL. Hyperoxalosis Secondary to Intravenous Vitamin C Administration as a Non-Allopathic Treatment for Cancer. Acad Forensic Pathol 2019;9(1-2):118-126. PubMed
- Maike A, Sturgill D, Gallan A. Oxalate Nephropathy in a Renal Transplant Recipient After Receiving High Dose Ascorbic Acid. Am J Med Sci 2021. PubMed
- Shen ZY, Chen YR, Wang MC, Chang SS. High-dose vitamin C-induced acute oxalate nephropathy in a renal transplant recipient: a case report and literature review. Asian J Surg 2022. PubMed
- Yanase F, Spano S, Maeda A, et al. Mega-dose sodium ascorbate: a pilot, single-dose, physiological effect, double-blind, randomized, controlled trial. Crit Care 2023;27(1):371. PubMed
- Sharma Y, Sumanadasa S, Shahi R, et al. Efficacy and safety of vitamin C supplementation in the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia: a systematic review and meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis. Sci Rep 2024;14(1):11846. PubMed
- Pejcic AV, Petrovic NZ, Djordjic MD, Milosavljevic MN. Vitamin C Levels in Pregnant Women and the Efficacy of Vitamin C Supplements in Preventing Premature Rupture of Membranes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Balkan Med J 2024;41(4):248-260. PubMed
Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.
DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC