Ultra-C Ingredients & Drug Interactions
What is this page for?
First and foremost: checking Ultra-C 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
Ultra-C is a dietary supplement by Douglas Laboratories with 3 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for common cold and immune support, antioxidant support, skin health and collagen formation.Based on those ingredients, 294 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Vitamin C, Rutin, Lemon Bioflavonoids. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.
Check Your Meds Against Ultra-C by Douglas Laboratories
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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 Ultra-C by Douglas Laboratories
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
Ultra-C is a 3-ingredient supplement built around vitamin C as its main active component, paired with rutin and lemon bioflavonoids. Vitamin C (also called ascorbic acid) is an essential nutrient and antioxidant that supports immune function and collagen formation.
Rutin is a plant compound classified as a bioflavonoid—a type of polyphenol found in plants. Lemon bioflavonoids are similar plant compounds derived from lemon peel.
The capsule itself contains gelatin, cellulose, and vegetable stearate as inactive ingredients.
Does it work?
Strong evidence
In our data, vitamin C is rated Effective for preventing or treating vitamin C deficiency, and Possibly Effective for anemia of chronic disease, atrial fibrillation, cataracts, and exercise-induced respiratory infections. For rutin and lemon bioflavonoids, the evidence isn't established: they're rated Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate for the conditions we hold data on—ranging from diabetes and inflammatory bowel disease to allergies and kidney stones.
This doesn't mean they don't work; it means large, well-designed human trials haven't yet proven it one way or the other.
How safe is it?
Well-documented data
Vitamin C is generally well tolerated at normal dietary and supplement doses. However, very high doses can cause abdominal cramps, heartburn, osmotic diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and headache—especially above 2 grams daily.
Kidney stones have been reported in people prone to them, and rare cases of serious kidney damage have occurred with very high intravenous doses. Rutin is generally well tolerated in food and short-term use, though long-term safety data at supplement doses are limited; it may cause headache, flushing, or rashes in some people.
Lemon bioflavonoids are well tolerated in food amounts; gastrointestinal upset (heartburn and stomach pain) has been reported in clinical trials with larger amounts of fresh lemon juice. Regarding pregnancy, vitamin C in normal prenatal amounts is considered likely safe, but high-dose supplements should be avoided unless your doctor advises otherwise.
Rutin is rated likely safe in pregnancy; lemon bioflavonoids have insufficient pregnancy data—discuss this with your doctor before taking them if you are or might become pregnant. For breastfeeding, rutin safety is unknown, so avoid supplement doses; vitamin C and lemon bioflavonoids have insufficient lactation data—talk to your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice.
Meds to double-check
Moderate interaction found
Before taking Ultra-C, double-check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take estrogens or hormone therapy (birth control, HRT), blood thinners like warfarin, chemotherapy drugs (especially alkylating agents and antitumor antibiotics), antidiabetes medications, antipsychotics like fluphenazine, HIV drugs like indinavir, thyroid medication like levothyroxine, or the antifungal itraconazole. Moderate and Minor interactions are documented for these drug types.
The bottom line
Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with strong clinical evidence behind its ingredients' uses. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.
Ultra-C is a straightforward vitamin C supplement with added rutin and lemon bioflavonoids. It's generally well tolerated at normal doses, though high doses can cause digestive upset.
The main caution is its interactions with estrogens (birth control, hormone therapy), blood thinners, certain chemotherapy and diabetes medications, and a few others—so check your exact prescriptions with your doctor or pharmacist before you start.
Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI
Assessment coverage: 3 of 3 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jun 25, 2012.
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 Ultra-C, straight from the product label.
| Brand | Douglas Laboratories |
|---|---|
| Barcode (UPC) | 310539018439 |
| Net contents | 250 Capsule(s) |
| Market status | On market |
| Date entered into DSLD | Jun 25, 2012 |
| DSLD ID | 9206 |
| Product type | Other Combinations |
| Supplement form | Capsule |
| Dietary claims / uses | All Other |
| Intended target group(s) | Adult (18 - 50 Years), Dairy Free, Sugar 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 Ultra-C by Douglas Laboratories, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.
Supplement Facts
| Ingredient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Vitamin C | 300 mg | 500% |
| Rutin | 50 mg | -- |
| Lemon Bioflavonoids | 300 mg | -- |
Other ingredients: Gelatin, Cellulose, Vegetable 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.
FDA Statement of Identity
A Dietary Supplement
General Statements
Vitamin C is from rose hips and other natural sources.
Formulation
This product contains NO yeast, wheat gluten, soy protein, milk/dairy, corn, sodium, sugar, starch, artificial coloring, preservatives or flavoring.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions
Suggested Usage: As a dietary supplement, adults take 1 capsule 2 times daily or as directed by physician.
Precautions
KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.
Tamper resistant package, do not use if outer seal is missing.
Storage
For optimal storage conditions, store in a cool, dry place. (59(0)-77(0)F/15(0)-25(0)C) (35-65% relative humidity)
General
Formula #7923
Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.
Ultra-C by Douglas Laboratories 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 Ultra-C by Douglas Laboratories
These are the 3 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.
Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container250 Amounts shown are per serving.
Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.
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 & interactionsRutin
Interacts with86 drugs
Rutin is a plant flavonoid (often taken from buckwheat or citrus) that people use mainly for blood vessel and circulation problems like varicose veins...
Rutin monograph & interactionsLemon Bioflavonoids
Interacts with1 drug
Lemon is a common citrus fruit that is a good source of vitamin C and citric acid, and it is widely used in food, drinks, and home remedies. While it...
Lemon Bioflavonoids monograph & interactionsOther (inactive) ingredients: Gelatin, Cellulose, Vegetable Stearate. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.
Ultra-C by Douglas Laboratories Drug Interactions
HelloPharmacist Interaction Report
Ultra-C by Douglas Laboratories contains vitamin C, rutin, and lemon bioflavonoids.
Vitamin C is the main source of interactions here—it carries Moderate-severity concerns with estrogens (including birth control and hormone therapy), blood thinners like warfarin, certain chemotherapy drugs, and several other medications. The most serious single interaction is with estrogens, where vitamin C can raise blood levels of these hormones by up to 55% in some cases.
Read the full breakdown — every affected drug type, severity by severity
Vitamin C also interacts Moderately with alkylating chemotherapy agents (cyclophosphamide, chlorambucil, carmustine, busulfan and others), where its antioxidant effect might blunt their cancer-fighting action. It can increase aluminum absorption from aluminum-containing compounds, may reduce warfarin's blood-thinning effect at higher doses, and can affect levels of the antipsychotic fluphenazine, the HIV drug indinavir, and the thyroid medication levothyroxine.
Antitumor antibiotics like doxorubicin also carry a Moderate theoretical concern for the same antioxidant reason.
Rutin adds a Moderate interaction with antidiabetes drugs—animal research suggests it may lower blood sugar, potentially raising hypoglycemia risk if combined with diabetes medications. Lemon bioflavonoids carry only a Minor interaction: they may increase levels of the antifungal itraconazole if taken together.
Altogether, these interactions span 294 individual medications. Before starting Ultra-C, run your exact medications through the interaction checker below, and if you take any blood thinners, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, diabetes medications, or antipsychotics, check with your doctor or pharmacist first.
Check your own medications below · Editorial policy · How we use AI
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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 Ultra-C interact with 294 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.
3 of the 3 ingredients in Ultra-C interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Vitamin C Rutin Lemon Bioflavonoids
EpirubicinEllence
How Epirubicin interacts with Ultra-C — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAntitumor Antibiotics Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, the antioxidant effects of vitamin C might reduce the effectiveness of antitumor antibiotics.
Read the full Vitamin C + Epirubicin interactionErtugliflozinSteglatro
How Ertugliflozin interacts with Ultra-C — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
RutinAntidiabetes Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking rutin with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Read the full Rutin + Ertugliflozin interactionErtugliflozin, Metformin HydrochlorideSegluromet
How Ertugliflozin, Metformin Hydrochloride interacts with Ultra-C — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
RutinAntidiabetes Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking rutin with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Read the full Rutin + Ertugliflozin, Metformin Hydrochloride interactionEsterified EstrogensEstratab, Menest
How Esterified Estrogens interacts with Ultra-C — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CEstrogens Moderate
Interaction Summary
Vitamin C might increase blood levels of estrogens.
Read the full Vitamin C + Esterified Estrogens interactionEsterified Estrogens, MethyltestosteroneEstratest
How Esterified Estrogens, Methyltestosterone interacts with Ultra-C — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CEstrogens Moderate
Interaction Summary
Vitamin C might increase blood levels of estrogens.
Read the full Vitamin C + Esterified Estrogens, Methyltestosterone interactionEstradiolDivigel, Elestrin, Estrace, Estraderm, Estring, Evamist +6 more
How Estradiol interacts with Ultra-C — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CEstrogens Moderate
Interaction Summary
Vitamin C might increase blood levels of estrogens.
Read the full Vitamin C + Estradiol interactionEstradiol, MedroxyprogesteroneDivitren
How Estradiol, Medroxyprogesterone interacts with Ultra-C — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CEstrogens Moderate
Interaction Summary
Vitamin C might increase blood levels of estrogens.
Read the full Vitamin C + Estradiol, Medroxyprogesterone interactionEstradiol, Norethindrone AcetateActivella
How Estradiol, Norethindrone Acetate interacts with Ultra-C — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CEstrogens Moderate
Interaction Summary
Vitamin C might increase blood levels of estrogens.
Read the full Vitamin C + Estradiol, Norethindrone Acetate interactionEstradiol, NorgestimateOrtho-Prefest
How Estradiol, Norgestimate interacts with Ultra-C — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CEstrogens Moderate
Interaction Summary
Vitamin C might increase blood levels of estrogens.
Read the full Vitamin C + Estradiol, Norgestimate interactionEstradiol, ProgesteroneBijuvanda
How Estradiol, Progesterone interacts with Ultra-C — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CEstrogens Moderate
Interaction Summary
Vitamin C might increase blood levels of estrogens.
Read the full Vitamin C + Estradiol, Progesterone interactionEstramustine Phosphate SodiumEmcyt
How Estramustine Phosphate Sodium interacts with Ultra-C — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAlkylating Agents Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, antioxidant effects of vitamin C might reduce the effectiveness of alkylating agents.
Read the full Vitamin C + Estramustine Phosphate Sodium interactionEstrogenEstrogen
How Estrogen interacts with Ultra-C — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CEstrogens Moderate
Interaction Summary
Vitamin C might increase blood levels of estrogens.
Read the full Vitamin C + Estrogen interactionEstroneOrtho-Est
How Estrone interacts with Ultra-C — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CEstrogens Moderate
Interaction Summary
Vitamin C might increase blood levels of estrogens.
Read the full Vitamin C + Estrone interactionEstropipateOgen, Ortho EST
How Estropipate interacts with Ultra-C — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CEstrogens Moderate
Interaction Summary
Vitamin C might increase blood levels of estrogens.
Read the full Vitamin C + Estropipate interactionEthiny Estradiol, LevonorgestrelLogynon, Microgynon 30 ED
How Ethiny Estradiol, Levonorgestrel interacts with Ultra-C — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CEstrogens Moderate
Interaction Summary
Vitamin C might increase blood levels of estrogens.
Read the full Vitamin C + Ethiny Estradiol, Levonorgestrel interactionEthinyl EstradiolEstinyl
How Ethinyl Estradiol interacts with Ultra-C — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CEstrogens Moderate
Interaction Summary
Vitamin C might increase blood levels of estrogens.
Read the full Vitamin C + Ethinyl Estradiol interactionEthinyl Estradiol, DesogestrelApri, Cesia, Cyclessa, Gedarel, Kariva, Linessa +4 more
How Ethinyl Estradiol, Desogestrel interacts with Ultra-C — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CEstrogens Moderate
Interaction Summary
Vitamin C might increase blood levels of estrogens.
Read the full Vitamin C + Ethinyl Estradiol, Desogestrel interactionEthinyl Estradiol, DrospirenoneYaz
How Ethinyl Estradiol, Drospirenone interacts with Ultra-C — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CEstrogens Moderate
Interaction Summary
Vitamin C might increase blood levels of estrogens.
Read the full Vitamin C + Ethinyl Estradiol, Drospirenone interactionEthinyl Estradiol, Ethynodiol DiacetateDemulen 1/35, Demulen 1/50, Demulen Compack, Kelnor 1/35, Zovia, Zovia 1/35 +1 more
How Ethinyl Estradiol, Ethynodiol Diacetate interacts with Ultra-C — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CEstrogens Moderate
Interaction Summary
Vitamin C might increase blood levels of estrogens.
Read the full Vitamin C + Ethinyl Estradiol, Ethynodiol Diacetate interactionEthinyl Estradiol, LevonorgestrelAlesse, Alesse 21, Alesse 28, Aviane, Enpresse, Jolessa +18 more
How Ethinyl Estradiol, Levonorgestrel interacts with Ultra-C — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CEstrogens Moderate
Interaction Summary
Vitamin C might increase blood levels of estrogens.
Read the full Vitamin C + Ethinyl Estradiol, Levonorgestrel interactionEthinyl Estradiol, NorethindroneAranelle, Brevicon, Brevicon .5/35 21 day, Brevicon .5/35 28 day, Brevicon 1/35 21 day, Brevicon 1/35 28 day +50 more
How Ethinyl Estradiol, Norethindrone interacts with Ultra-C — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CEstrogens Moderate
Interaction Summary
Vitamin C might increase blood levels of estrogens.
Read the full Vitamin C + Ethinyl Estradiol, Norethindrone interactionEthinyl Estradiol, Norethindrone, Ferrous FumarateEstrostep Fe, Femcon FE, Junel Fe 1.5/30, Loestrin Fe, Loestrin Fe 1.5/30, Loestrin Fe 1/20 +3 more
How Ethinyl Estradiol, Norethindrone, Ferrous Fumarate interacts with Ultra-C — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CEstrogens Moderate
Interaction Summary
Vitamin C might increase blood levels of estrogens.
Read the full Vitamin C + Ethinyl Estradiol, Norethindrone, Ferrous Fumarate interactionEthinyl Estradiol, NorgestimateCilest, Mononessa, Ortho Tri-Cyclen 28, Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo, Ortho Tri-Cylcen, Ortho-Cyclen +5 more
How Ethinyl Estradiol, Norgestimate interacts with Ultra-C — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CEstrogens Moderate
Interaction Summary
Vitamin C might increase blood levels of estrogens.
Read the full Vitamin C + Ethinyl Estradiol, Norgestimate interactionEthinyl Estradiol, NorgestrelCryselle, Lo/Ovral, Low-Ogestrel, Ogestrel 0.5/50, Ovral
How Ethinyl Estradiol, Norgestrel interacts with Ultra-C — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CEstrogens Moderate
Interaction Summary
Vitamin C might increase blood levels of estrogens.
Read the full Vitamin C + Ethinyl Estradiol, Norgestrel interactionEthinyl Estradiol, LevonogestrelLybrel
How Ethinyl Estradiol, Levonogestrel interacts with Ultra-C — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CEstrogens Moderate
Interaction Summary
Vitamin C might increase blood levels of estrogens.
Read the full Vitamin C + Ethinyl Estradiol, Levonogestrel interactionEtonogestrel, Ethinyl EstradiolNuvaRing
How Etonogestrel, Ethinyl Estradiol interacts with Ultra-C — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CEstrogens Moderate
Interaction Summary
Vitamin C might increase blood levels of estrogens.
Read the full Vitamin C + Etonogestrel, Ethinyl Estradiol interactionExenatideBydureon, Byetta
How Exenatide interacts with Ultra-C — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
RutinAntidiabetes Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking rutin with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Read the full Rutin + Exenatide interactionExenatide SyntheticBydureon BCISE
How Exenatide Synthetic interacts with Ultra-C — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
RutinAntidiabetes Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking rutin with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Read the full Rutin + Exenatide Synthetic interactionFish Oil TriglyceridesOmegaven
How Fish Oil Triglycerides interacts with Ultra-C — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAluminum Moderate
Interaction Summary
Vitamin C can increase the amount of aluminum absorbed from aluminum compounds.
Read the full Vitamin C + Fish Oil Triglycerides interactionFluphenazineFluphenazine, Permitil, Prolixin
How Fluphenazine interacts with Ultra-C — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CFluphenazine (prolixin) Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, vitamin C might decrease levels of fluphenazine.
Read the full Vitamin C + Fluphenazine interactionEach ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects
For each ingredient in Ultra-C with known interactions, here are the types of medications they 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.
Rutin
Antidiabetes Drugs
Theoretically, taking rutin with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Animal research suggests that rutin has hypoglycemic effects.
Lemon Bioflavonoids
Itraconazole (Sporanox)
Theoretically, taking itraconazole capsules or tablets with a beverage containing lemon might increase the levels and clinical effects of itraconazole.
In one case report, dissolving itraconazole tablets in a small amount of specific beverages containing lemon prior to administration increased the level of itraconazole in a lung transplant patient. In this case, the increased bioavailability was desirable and was likely due to improved tablet dissolution in the acidic beverage.
Brand information
Manufacturer and brand details for Ultra-C, from the product label.
Douglas Laboratories
See all Douglas Laboratories products- Name
- Douglas Laboratories
- City
- Pittsburgh
- State
- PA
- ZipCode
- 15205
- Web Address
- www.douglaslabs.com
Ultra-C by Douglas Laboratories: Common Questions
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Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
Not sure if Ultra-C is safe with your meds?
Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.
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 Ultra-C’s Ingredients
Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.
Vitamin C
Interacts with 207 drugsVitamin 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 immune function, collagen, and acts as an...
Read the full Vitamin C monograph → Herb & supplement monographRutin
Interacts with 86 drugsRutin is a plant flavonoid (often taken from buckwheat or citrus) that people use mainly for blood vessel and circulation problems like varicose veins and hemorrhoids. The evidence is limite...
Read the full Rutin monograph → Herb & supplement monographLemon
Interacts with 1 drugLemon is a common citrus fruit that is a good source of vitamin C and citric acid, and it is widely used in food, drinks, and home remedies. While it can support hydration and a healthy diet...
Read the full Lemon monograph →Sources & How We Checked
Ultra-C'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 55 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
Rutin 2 references
- Mehta DK (Ex Ed). British National Formulary, Number 37. British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain: London, England, March 1999.
- Sun C, Wang L, Sun J, Wang Z, Tang Z. Hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of rutin on hyperglycemic rats. J Tradit Chin Med. 2020;40(4):640-645.
Lemon 2 references
- Ruggenenti P, Caruso MR, Cortinovis M, et al. Fresh lemon juice supplementation for the prevention of recurrent stones in calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis: A pragmatic, prospective, randomised, open, blinded endpoint (PROBE) trial. EClinicalMedicine 2021;4 PubMed
- Umemura K, Katada Y, Nakagawa S, et al. Improved absorption of itraconazole tablet by co-administration with lemon beverages in a lung transplant recipient: A case report. J Infect Chemother 2022;28(8):1203-1207. PubMed
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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.
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