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Dietary supplement

Vitamin C 500 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Exchange Select

Vitamin C 500 mg label
See full label image
Tablet Or Pill Category: Vitamin
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 16, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Vitamin C 500 mg 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

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Vitamin C 500 mg is a dietary supplement by Exchange Select with 2 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for replacing fluids and electrolytes, preventing dehydration during exercise or illness, treating low blood sodium (under medical care).Based on those ingredients, 412 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Vitamin C, Sodium. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

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Check Your Meds Against Vitamin C 500 mg by Exchange Select

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Vitamin C 500 mg by Exchange Select — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Vitamin C 500 mg by Exchange Select

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.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Jul 11, 2026

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 2 of its 2 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains 2 active ingredients: sodium and vitamin C. Sodium is an electrolyte your body needs in small amounts for nerve and muscle function, but this product adds supplemental sodium on top of what you get from food.

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a water-soluble vitamin that supports immune function and collagen formation, and it acts as an antioxidant in the body. The rest of the tablet is made up of inactive ingredients like sorbitol, sucrose, flavoring, colorants, and binding agents.

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports this product's ingredients for its stated purpose, but it isn't conclusive.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: Immune health support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Allergic rhinitis (hay fever), Atopic disease, Acute bronchitis, Canker sores, Conjunctivitis, Exercise-induced respiratory infections — and 4 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Vitamin C is rated "Possibly Effective" for Exercise-induced respiratory infections (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Vitamin C is rated "Possibly Ineffective" for Acute bronchitis, Helicobacter pylori.
  • Also on file: Vitamin C is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Allergic rhinitis (hay fever), Atopic disease, Gingivitis, HIV/AIDS.

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. Sodium doesn't have a primary wellness purpose in a supplement like this—your dietary intake is normally plenty.

The product's effectiveness for any specific condition depends on which active ingredient matters to you; if you're taking it for vitamin C support, it can work, but the sodium content is a drawback for many people.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Sodium Vitamin C

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 2 of the 2 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 2 of 2.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 2 of 2.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Vitamin C at 500 mg per tablet is generally well tolerated; most side effects appear only at doses above 2 grams daily and include stomach cramps, diarrhea, heartburn, nausea, and headache. Kidney stone risk is higher if you're prone to them.

Sodium in supplements is a caution: your body needs some from food, but excess sodium is linked to high blood pressure and heart strain, and it can worsen kidney disease. Normal dietary sodium is fine; avoid adding supplemental sodium without talking to your doctor first.

For pregnancy and breastfeeding, vitamin C is rated Likely Safe at normal amounts, and sodium is also rated Likely Safe; however, both carry a Possibly Unsafe rating under certain circumstances, so talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you're pregnant or nursing.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Sodium Vitamin C

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 2 of the 2 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Vitamin C, Sodium.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; cancer treatments; lithium.
  • For scale: 412 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Check with your pharmacist before taking this if you're on: blood pressure medications (sodium can reduce their effectiveness), lithium (mood stabilizer—sodium changes how your body clears it), corticosteroids, warfarin or other blood thinners (vitamin C at higher doses may reduce effectiveness), birth control or hormone therapy (vitamin C can raise estrogen levels), levothyroxine (thyroid hormone—vitamin C may increase absorption), chemotherapy drugs, HIV medications like indinavir, or antipsychotics like fluphenazine. Severity ranges from Moderate across all these categories.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

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.

If you need vitamin C support and have no blood pressure, lithium, warfarin, or hormone therapy concerns, this product can work. Anyone on blood pressure meds, lithium, thyroid hormone, HIV medications, or blood thinners should check their exact drugs with the search tool before using it.

The sodium content is a real drawback if you're watching your intake for heart or kidney health—ask your pharmacist if a sodium-free vitamin C makes more sense for you.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 2 of 2 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Aug 22, 2017.

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

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Vitamin C 500 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand Exchange Select
Barcode (UPC) 614299405523
Net contents 100 Tablet(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Aug 22, 2017
DSLD ID 76766
Product type Vitamin
Supplement form Tablet Or Pill
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free
From the label
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 Vitamin C 500 mg by Exchange Select, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Tablet(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Tablet(s)
UPC/BARCODE
614299405523
IngredientAmount% DV
Calories5 Calorie(s)--
Total Carbohydrates1 Gram(s)1%
Sodium35 mg1%
Vitamin C500 mg833%

Other ingredients: Sorbitol, Sodium Ascorbate, Sucrose, Ascorbic Acid, Stearic Acid, Magnesium Stearate, Aspartame, Lactose, natural Flavor blend powder, natural Orange juice powder, natural Orange flavor, Natural Lemon/Lime flavor, FD&C Yellow No. 6 Lake, natural Tropical Fruit flavor, Natural and Artificial Watermelon flavor, FD&C Red No. 40 Lake, FD&C Yellow no. 5 lake - Tartrazine, FD&C Blue No. 1 Lake, May contain

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
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.
Precautions

Safety sealed. Do not use if printed seal under cap is cut, torn, or missing.

Contains: Milk derivative (lactose), Soy.

Do not swallow whole.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Warning: Pregnant or nursing women, individuals taking medication(s) or persons who have a health condition should consult their physician before using this product.

General Statements

Chewable natural & artificial assorted fruit flavors

Immune health ~ Helps support & maintain a healthy immune system

Quality value

Vitamin C, one of the antioxidant essentials, supports the immune system and helps protect the body’s cells from potential oxidative damage.

Chewable tablets are ideal for individuals who may have difficulty swallowing solid tablets.

"Satisfaction guaranteed or your money back."

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Formula

Contains: Milk derivative (lactose), Soy.

Contains FD&C Yellow No. 5 Lake – Tartrazine as a color additive.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: Adults - Chew one tablet daily with food as a dietary supplement.

Storage

Store at 15(0) - 30(0) C (59(0) - 86(0) F).

Formulation

No gluten ~ No trans fat

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.

General

136896 518371 USA646857

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

Vitamin C 500 mg by Exchange Select label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

Vitamin C 500 mg label

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)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in Vitamin C 500 mg by Exchange Select

These are the 2 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Tablet(s) Dosage formTablet Or Pill 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.

Sodium

Interacts with
205 drugs
35 mg per serving

Sodium is an essential mineral and electrolyte your body needs to balance fluids, support nerves, and help muscles work. Most people in modern diets g...

Sodium monograph & interactions

Vitamin C

Interacts with
207 drugs
500 mg per serving

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 & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Sorbitol, Sodium Ascorbate, Sucrose, Ascorbic Acid, Stearic Acid, Magnesium Stearate, Aspartame, Lactose, Natural Flavor blend powder, Natural Orange juice powder, Natural Orange flavor, Natural Lemon/Lime flavor, FD&C Yellow No. 6 Lake, Natural Tropical Fruit flavor, Natural and Artificial Watermelon flavor, FD&C Red No. 40 Lake, FD&C Yellow no. 5 lake - Tartrazine, FD&C Blue No. 1 Lake, May contain. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Vitamin C 500 mg by Exchange Select Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Vitamin C 500 mg?

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 checker
412Drugs
306 Moderate 106 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Vitamin C 207
Sodium 205

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Vitamin C 500 mg interact with 412 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

2 of the 2 ingredients in Vitamin C 500 mg interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Vitamin C Sodium

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Vitamin C 500 mg 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 C13 drug types · 207 drugs

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.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
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.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
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.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
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.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
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.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
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.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
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.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
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.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
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.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
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.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
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.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
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.

Likelihood Possible Evidence A
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.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Vitamin C full monograph & interactions

Sodium7 drug types · 205 drugs

Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, a high intake of dietary sodium might reduce the effectiveness of antihypertensive drugs.
High intake of dietary sodium can increase systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Also, high intake of sodium may necessitate increased use of antihypertensive medications to achieve blood pressure control in some patients, such as those with chronic kidney disease.

Likelihood Probable Evidence A
Corticosteroids

Concomitant use of mineralocorticoids and some glucocorticoids with sodium supplements might increase the risk of hypernatremia.
Mineralocorticoids and some glucocorticoids (corticosteroids) cause sodium retention. This effect is dose-related and depends on mineralocorticoid potency. It is most common with hydrocortisone, cortisone, and fludrocortisone, followed by prednisone and prednisolone.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Didanosine (Videx)

Concomitant use of didanosine with additional sodium from dietary or supplemental sources may increase the risk of hypernatremia.
Didanosine formulations contain a significant amount of sodium.

Likelihood Probable Evidence C
Lithium

Altering dietary intake of sodium might alter the levels and clinical effects of lithium.
High sodium intake can reduce plasma concentrations of lithium by increasing lithium excretion. Reducing sodium intake can significantly increase plasma concentrations of lithium and cause lithium toxicity in patients being treated with lithium carbonate. Stabilizing sodium intake is shown to reduce the percentage of patients with lithium level fluctuations above 0.8 mEq/L. Patients taking lithium should avoid significant alterations in their dietary intake of sodium.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Sodium Phosphates

Theoretically, concomitant use of sodium phosphate with sodium supplements might increase the risk of hypernatremia.
Use of high doses (> 45 mL in 24 hours) of sodium phosphate, such as those used for bowel cleansing before surgery, can lead to serious electrolyte disturbances, including hypernatremia. The risk of hypernatremia is highest in the elderly and people with other risk factors for electrolyte disturbances.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Sodium-Containing Drugs

Concomitant use of sodium-containing drugs with additional sodium from dietary or supplemental sources may increase the risk of hypernatremia and long-term sodium-related complications.
The Chronic Disease Risk Reduction (CDRR) intake level of 2.3 grams of sodium daily indicates the intake at which it is believed that chronic disease risk increases for the apparently healthy population. Some medications contain high quantities of sodium. When used in conjunction with sodium supplements or high-sodium diets, the CDRR may be exceeded. Additionally, concomitant use may increase the risk for hypernatremia; this risk is highest in the elderly and people with other risk factors for electrolyte disturbances.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Tolvaptan (Samsca)

Theoretically, concomitant use of tolvaptan with sodium might increase the risk of hypernatremia.
Tolvaptan is a vasopressin receptor 2 antagonist that is used to increase sodium levels in patients with hyponatremia. Patients taking tolvaptan should use caution with the use of sodium salts such as sodium chloride.

Likelihood Probable Evidence C
Sodium full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Vitamin C 500 mg, from the product label.

Exchange Select

See all Exchange Select products
Name
International Vitamin Corporation
City
Freehold
State
NJ
ZipCode
07728
Phone Number
1-866-927-5470
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Vitamin C 500 mg by Exchange Select: Common Questions

Does Vitamin C 500 mg by Exchange Select interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Vitamin C 500 mg has a known interaction with 412 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Vitamin C 500 mg contains 2 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take this if I'm on blood pressure medication?
Not without checking first. The sodium in this product can reduce how well blood pressure meds work, which is a Moderate interaction. Talk to your pharmacist about your specific medications before starting.
Is the sodium in this product dangerous?
At normal dietary amounts, sodium is essential; this supplement adds extra. Too much is linked to high blood pressure and heart strain. If you have heart, kidney, or blood pressure concerns, or take lithium or certain other drugs, avoid sodium supplements without medical advice.
Will vitamin C at 500 mg cause side effects?
Not usually at this dose. Side effects like stomach cramps, diarrhea, and heartburn typically show up only above 2 grams daily. If you're prone to kidney stones, ask your pharmacist about the risk.
Is this safe during pregnancy?
Vitamin C is rated Likely Safe during pregnancy at normal amounts, and sodium is also rated Likely Safe; however, both have a Possibly Unsafe rating under certain circumstances. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice if you're pregnant or nursing.
Does vitamin C from this product actually work?
Yes, vitamin C is rated Effective for treating or preventing vitamin C deficiency. For other uses like colds, cataracts, or anemia, the evidence is only Possibly Effective, so results vary.
Can I take this with my thyroid medication?
Vitamin C can increase levothyroxine absorption, which may change your thyroid hormone levels. This is a Moderate interaction—check with your pharmacist about timing or whether a sodium-free vitamin C would be better for you.

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.

Vitamin C 500 mg label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Vitamin C 500 mg’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Herb & supplement monograph

Sodium

Interacts with 205 drugs

Sodium is an essential mineral and electrolyte your body needs to balance fluids, support nerves, and help muscles work. Most people in modern diets get more than enough—often too much—from...

Read the full Sodium monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Vitamin C

Interacts with 207 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 immune function, collagen, and acts as an...

Read the full Vitamin C monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Vitamin C 500 mg'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.

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 89 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.

Sodium 38 references
  1. Garabedian-Ruffalo SM, Ruffalo RL. Drug and nutrient interactions. Am Fam Physician 1986;33:165-74.
  2. Food and Drug Administration Science Background: Safety of Sodium Phosphates Oral Solution. September 17, 2001. Available at: http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/safety/sodiumphospate.htm
  3. Coton T, Mallaret C, Coilliot C, Carre D, Guisset M. Severe acute ulcerated gastritis induced by salt. Presse Med 2009;38(3):499-500. PubMed
  4. Frings-Meuthen P, Buehlmeier J, Baecker N, et al. High sodium chloride intake exacerbates immobilization-induced bone resorption and protein losses. J Appl Physiol 2011;111(2):537-542. PubMed
  5. Frings-Meuthen P, Baecker N, Heer M. Low-grade metabolic acidosis may be the cause of sodium chloride-induced exaggerated bone resorption. J Bone Miner Res 2008;23(4):517-524. PubMed
  6. Alam S, Johnson AG. A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCT) among healthy normotensive and essential hypertensive elderly patients to determine the effect of high salt (NaCl) diet of blood pressure. J Hum Hypertens 1999;13(6):367-74.
  7. Boudville N, Ward S, Benaroia M, House AA. Increased sodium intake correlates with greater use of antihypertensive agents by subjects with chronic kidney disease. Am J Hypertens 2005;18(10):1300-5. PubMed
  8. Bennett WM. Drug interactions and consequences of sodium restriction. Am J Clin Nutr 1997;65(2 Suppl):678S-681S. PubMed
  9. Okusa MD, Crystal LJ. Clinical manifestations and management of acute lithium intoxication. Am J Med 1994;97(4):383-9. PubMed
  10. Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine. Dietary reference intakes for water, potassium, sodium, chloride, and sulfate. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2005. Available at: http://www.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=10925. DOI
  11. D'Elia L, Rossi G, Ippolito R, Cappuccio FP, Strazzullo P. Habitual salt intake and risk of gastric cancer: a meta-analysis of prospective studies. Clin Nutr 2012;31(4):489-98. PubMed
  12. Goldsmith SR. Hyponatremia in heart failure: time for a trial. J Card Fail 2013;19(6):398-400. PubMed
  13. Willocks L, Brettle R, Keen J, Valentine C, Pinching AJ. Formulations of didanosine (ddI) and salt overload. Lancet 1992;339(8786):190.
  14. Chen L, Zhang Z, Chen W, Whelton PK, Appel LJ. Lower Sodium Intake and Risk of Headaches: Results From the Trial of Nonpharmacologic Interventions in the Elderly. Am J Public Health. 2016;106(7):1270-5. PubMed
  15. Cook NR, Appel LJ, Whelton PK. Lower levels of sodium intake and reduced cardiovascular risk. Circulation. 2014;129(9):981-9. PubMed
  16. Cook NR, Appel LJ, Whelton PK. Sodium Intake and All-Cause Mortality Over 20 Years in the Trials of Hypertension Prevention. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2016;68(15):1609-1617. PubMed
  17. Mente A, O'Donnell M, Rangarajan S, et al. Associations of urinary sodium excretion with cardiovascular events in individuals with and without hypertension: a pooled analysis of data from four studies. Lancet. 2016;388(10043):465-75. PubMed
  18. Moosavian SP, Haghighatdoost F, Surkan PJ, Azadbakht L. Salt and obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. Int J Food Sci Nutr. 2017;68(3):265-277. PubMed
  19. O'Donnell M, Mente A, Rangarajan S, et al. Urinary sodium and potassium excretion, mortality, and cardiovascular events. N Engl J Med. 2014;371(7):612-23. DOI
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See these in context on the Sodium monograph →

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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

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