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Vitamin C injectable is a vitamin supplement used as an antioxidant to help treat certain toxicity syndromes or to create a more acidic urine in dogs and cats. It is also used in guinea pigs to treat scurvy. Various generic veterinary brands of Vitamin C injectable are available in North America.
In Australia, Vitamin C is approved for use in dogs, horses, and cattle as a nutritional supplement (VitaJect).
Vitamin C injectable is considered off label (extra label) in all veterinary species. Many drugs are commonly prescribed for off-label use in veterinary medicine. “Off label” means the drug is being used in a way that has not been reviewed or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or Health Canada. In these instances, follow your veterinarian’s directions and cautions carefully, as they may be significantly different from those on the label.
Most formulations of injectable Vitamin C have not been reviewed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for safety or effectiveness before they are sold to the public. Manufacturers of non-drug health products must ensure their products are safe and labeled accurately. The FDA requires that these non-pharmaceuticals contain a disclaimer that says, “This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.” Health Canada licenses “veterinary health products” after reviewing safety, efficacy, and manufacturing information provided by the manufacturer. These products are not tested by Health Canada.
Your veterinarian is the best source of information about the safety of non-drug health products in pets. Just because a product is natural does not mean it is safe. All medicines and medicinal plants are potentially toxic if used inappropriately or given at high doses. Supplements can also have side effects, like pharmaceuticals. Few supplements and herbs have been subjected to rigorous scientific trials to determine their efficacy.
Although the information in this handout may be helpful, it may also be incomplete and may not represent the full range of effects the supplement could have on your pet.
This medication can take several days to have full effects within the body, but side effects can occur immediately. Visible improvements are not always evident.
If you miss a dose of vitamin C injectable, give it as soon as you remember, and then continue with the regular dosing schedule. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume the regular dosing schedule. Do not give the pet two doses at once.
This supplement is usually well tolerated, and adverse reactions are uncommon at recommended doses. Vitamin C injectable may cause the following side effects:
Serious adverse reactions are possible with all injectable medications, including this supplement. They may occur without warning and could, in rare cases, lead to death. If any of the following signs develop, contact your veterinarian immediately:
Drug sensitivities can develop over time, with repeated exposure. Your pet may have no reaction after the first few doses but may develop a sensitivity later. It is important to watch for signs of an allergic reaction each time this medication is used.
Other side effects may occur. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian immediately. Vitamin C injectable is a short-acting medication that will stop working within 24 hours, but effects may be prolonged in pets with liver or kidney disease.
Vitamin C injectable should NOT BE USED in:
Vitamin C injectable should be USED WITH CAUTION in pets who are:
Make sure your veterinarian is aware of any medications (including vitamins, supplements or herbal therapies) that your pet is taking before starting any new treatment.
Several medications should be used with caution when given with vitamin C injectable, including:
© Copyright 2025 LifeLearn Inc. Used and/or modified with permission under license. This content written by LifeLearn Animal Health (LifeLearn Inc.) is licensed to this practice for the personal use of our clients. Any copying, printing or further distribution is prohibited without the express written consent of LifeLearn. This content does not contain all available information for any referenced medications and has not been reviewed by the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine, or Health Canada Veterinary Drugs Directorate. This content may help answer commonly asked questions, but is not a substitute for medical advice, or a proper consultation and/or clinical examination of your pet by a veterinarian. Please contact your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s health. Last updated on Sep 20, 2024.
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