Emergen C: ingredients, types, benefits, side effects and interactions

What is Emergen-C?

Emergen-C is an effervescent powder, which a mix of vitamins and supplement manufactured by Alacer Corp which was later acquired by Pfizer.

As per USFDA, a 2000 calorie diet is considered equal to this medication which contains 16 times the vitamin C, 4 times the vitamin B₁₂, and 5 times the vitamin B₆.

The essential nutrients which are not usually fulfilled with the diet, multi-minerals and multivitamins used to complete the requirement of such substances.

Many other conditions such as mineral and vitamin deficiencies, illness, pregnancy, poor and improper nutrition, and digestive disorders can be treated with multivitamins and multi-minerals.

However, more than the recommended dose of multivitamins and multi-minerals can cause serious side effects. When taken in large doses, vitamins A, D, E, and K can cause life-threatening side effects.

Never take Emergen-C with milk or dairy products, calcium supplements or antacids. Do not take more of this medicine than directed on the label or prescribed by your doctor.

If you have any other medical condition or any allergies, ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of this medication. You may need a different dose during pregnancy.

If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, do not take this medication without doctor’s consultation. When taken in large doses, some vitamins and minerals can harm your unborn baby.

A specially formulated prenatal vitamin can be used by pregnant women. Your dose of Emergen-C can be varied while nursing your baby as it can affect your nursing baby; however, there are strong evidence present to prove this fact. You should let your doctor know if you are breast-feeding a baby.

What are the ingredients of Emergen-C?

Emergen-C contains a combination of selected vitamins and minerals to provide the support to the immune system. It also contains:

Antioxidants: Which are helpful in protecting the body cells against the effects of free radicals which are responsible for damaging the skin.

Vitamins B: Vitamin B plays a key role in the energy metabolism.

Electrolytes: It plays many roles in the body including fluid balance, energy production, and muscle contraction. A person can suffer from electrolyte loss through exercise via sweating.

Calcium: It plays a critical role in the electrical conduction system of the heart. It is also beneficial in maintaining the fluid and electrolyte balance in the body.

Sodium: It is beneficial in maintaining the blood pH, and fluid and electrolyte balance in the body.

Phosphorus: It actively participates in the energy production and its storage.

Magnesium: Acts as a cofactor for over three hundred enzymes and improves muscle function.

Potassium: Essential component for muscle contraction and supports fluid and electrolyte balance.

Other ingredients are:

Fructose, Maltodextrin, Citric Acid,Malic Acid. Contains <2% of: Acacia, Beta-Carotene (color), Dried Orange Juice Concentrate (color and flavor), Glycine, L-Aspartic Acid, Natural Flavors, Orange Oil, Silicon Dioxide, Tartaric Acid, Tocopherols (to preserve freshness)

This medicine is a combination of many different vitamins and minerals that are normally found in foods and other natural sources.

What are the different types of Emergen-C?

There are seven type of Emergen-C are available in the market. You can buy this medication online or from the local market.

Emergen-C for everyday nutritional support

This supplement of Emergen-C is packed with vitamin C and other antioxidants. Along with vitamin B, it supports immune system and increases your energy.

Any damage to the signaling system of cell-cell communication can result in impaired immune responsiveness.

A particular hazard to the immune system is oxidant-mediated tissue injury because phagocytic cells of the immune system produce reactive oxygen species as part of the body’s defense against infection.

In order to prevent the damage to the immune cells, adequate amounts of neutralizing antioxidants are required.

Antioxidants such as ascorbic acid, alpha-tocopherol, carotenoids and polyphenolic flavonoids can be obtained by diet. There are many studies which indicate that the diets rich in antioxidants are responsible for the minimal incidence of cancers.

There is certain evidence that proved antioxidant nutrients can modify cell-mediated immune responses in younger individuals.

Indeed, it might be essential to have an adequate intake of antioxidant nutrients from an early age in order to help prevent the development of, or at least delay the onset of, several degenerative disorders.

Enhanced Immune support formula with Vitamin D

It contains key nutrients with vitamin D and zinc. It effectively supports our immune system. Zinc is crucial for normal development and function of cells mediating nonspecific immunity such as neutrophils and natural killer cells.

Zinc affects multiple aspects of the immune system, from the barrier of the skin to gene regulation within lymphocytes. Therefore it is known to fulfill the zinc deficiency and strengthen your immune system.

What is the role of zinc in Emergen-C enhanced immune support formula?

Zinc is known to play a central role in the immune system, and zinc-deficient persons experience increased susceptibility to a variety of pathogens.

It is clear that zinc affects multiple aspects of the immune system, from the barrier of the skin to gene regulation within lymphocytes.

For the normal development and function of cells mediating nonspecific immunity such as neutrophils and natural killer cells, zinc is considered as crucial.

Development of acquired immunity can be prevented in case of both the outgrowth and certain functions of T lymphocytes (such as activation, Th1 cytokine production, and B lymphocyte help) affected by zinc deficiency.

Likewise, B lymphocyte development and antibody production, particularly immunoglobulin G, is compromised.

The macrophage, a pivotal cell in many immunologic functions, is adversely affected by zinc deficiency which can dysregulate intracellular killing, cytokine production, and phagocytosis.

The effects of zinc on these key immunologic mediators is rooted in the myriad roles for zinc in basic cellular functions such as DNA replication, RNA transcription, cell division, and cell activation.

Zinc also functions as an antioxidant and can stabilize membranes. As per many studies of zinc biology of the immune system, zinc provide a biological basis for the altered host resistance to infections observed during zinc deficiency and supplementation.

Emergen-C Energy⁺

It contains natural caffeine from green tea, vitamin B, and C which will help in enhancing your attention and improve overall well being.  Green tea which contains caffeine possesses multi-beneficial applications in treating various disorders of humans.

What is the role of caffeine from green tea in Emergen-C Energy+?

Green tea contains L-theanine and caffeine which is present in Emergen-C. Caffeine is beneficial in enhancing performance on demanding long-duration cognitive tasks and self-reported alertness, arousal, and vigor.

Even the low doses of caffeine are known to produce significant effects. Caffeine has clear beneficial effects on sustained attention, and memory. It also suppresses the distraction.

Emergen- C Hydrate

It is a sports drink mix. It contains 75% less sugar than other energy drinks. It contains electrolytes, potassium and vitamin C that replenishes you and also fortifies you.

Imbalance in the electrolytes can result in some disorders. And the electrolyte imbalance can be caused by dehydration or overhydration, taking a certain amount of drugs, or if you are suffering from any heart or kidney disease, you are more likely to suffer from electrolyte imbalance.

Taking Emergen-C in appropriate amounts can be helpful in treating the conditions.

Emergen-C Replenisher:

New Emergen-C Replenisher is the smart way to replace fluids and lost electrolytes. Every packet has key electrolytes, fortifying Vitamin C and natural fruit flavors for a delicious way to fuel hydration.

Emergen-C Sleep:

Get the sleep you need! Emergen-Zzzz naturally promotes sleep and relaxation with melatonin, plus vitamin C and other key antioxidants to fortify you while you sleep.

Melatonin is a hormone that is prepared by your body and it works closely with your body’s circadian rhythm to help prepare you for sleep. It levels rise at night-time. It is also beneficial in treating insomnia.

What is the role of Melatonin in Emergen-C sleep?

Melatonin is a hormone which is produced naturally in our body. It effectively controls your sleep and wakes up cycles which are normally known as circadian rhythm.

Few food items such as meat, grains, fruits, and vegetables contain little amount of melatonin. It is present in Emergen-C sleep and you can also buy it as a supplement.

Melatonin is used as a dietary supplement and used to treat sleep problems mainly insomnia. Other benefits of melatonin have seen in:

• Treatment of seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
• Controlling sleep patterns
• After surgery, it helps in reducing the problems in sleeping.
• Reducing chronic cluster headaches

Emergen- C Kidz

Emergen-C Kidz offers everything you love about original Emergen-C but formulated especially for kids. Mix up some fizzy fun every day with 250 mg of vitamin C, antioxidants, B vitamins, and electrolytes. It is available in three great, kid-approved flavors.

The intake of nutrients such as vitamin C strongly affects the immune system. There are phagocytes and T-cells in the immune system, which need vitamins to perform their task.

Therefore a person can suffer from reduced resistance against pathogens in case of vitamin C deficiency. At the same time, a higher supply of vitamin C enhances several immune system parameters.

As per a study, ample supply of vitamin C can reduce the duration of illness, however, it does not play any role in treating the severity of illness. Supplementation of vitamin C is most effective in cases of physical strain or insufficient intake of the vitamin.

What are the side effects of the Emergen-C?

If you see any kind of allergic reactions, such as hives, difficulty in breathing, swelling of your body parts including face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Side effects such as staining of the tooth, increased urination, stomach bleeding, uneven heart rate, confusion, and muscle weakness or limp feeling can be caused by various minerals when taken in heavy doses.

Such side effects are not caused by the recommended doses of multivitamins, minerals, and other supplements. Common side effects of Emergen-C may include:

• Upset stomach
• A Headache
• Unpleasant taste in your mouth

If you suffer from any other unusual or severe side effects, call your doctor immediately.

What are the common interactions of Emergen-C?

Unless your doctor advise you to take more than one vitamin or mineral supplement at one time, avoid taking more vitamin products as it can result in severe side effects.

If your multivitamin and multi-mineral contain potassium, avoid the regular use of salt substitutes in your diet. Always ask your doctor before taking a vitamin or mineral supplement if you are on a low salt diet.

Calcium makes it harder for your body to absorb certain kind of minerals, therefore avoid taking this medication with milk, calcium products or dairy products.

Certain medication can also interact with vitamin and mineral supplements, and it can also affect the action of medicines in your body.

There are certain medications that are needed to be asked by your doctor or pharmacist if they are safe when taken with mineral and vitamin supplement. Such drugs are:

• Tretinoin or isotretinoin
• Antacid
• Antibiotic
• Diuretic or water pill
• Medication meant for blood pressure
• A sulfa drug
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as Ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam and others)

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with multivitamins and minerals, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Can Emergen-C be taken with calcitriol?

This combination can cause the major interaction, therefore, one should generally avoid the administration of Emergen-C with calcitriol.

Vitamin D analogs such as calcitriol when given with pharmacologic doses of vitamin D can result in additive effects which further results in conditions like hypercalcemia, hypercalciuria, and hyperphosphatemia (as toxicity).

A patient can require emergency medical attention due to progressive hyperkalemia caused by overdosage of vitamin D and its metabolites. Conditions such as cardiac arrhythmias and seizures can also be exacerbated by the hypocalcemia.

Chronic hypercalcemia can lead to generalized vascular calcification, nephrocalcinosis, and calcifications of the cornea or other soft tissues. Immobilized patients are particularly vulnerable to the risk of hypocalcemia.

In order to avoid such dangerous consequences, one should avoid the concurrent administration of vitamin D with Emergen-C.

During a therapy with vitamin D analog, serum calcium and phosphorus levels must be closely monitored, mainly during early treatment during dosage adjustment.

Complete monitoring of calcium intake should be done and adjusted when needed. Patients an abrupt increase in calcium intake should be completely restricted because excess calcium intake can trigger the hypocalcemia.

The patient should be advised to contact the doctor immediately if he suffers from symptoms of hypocalcemia such as weakness, fatigue, headache, somnolence, vertigo, tinnitus, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, constipation, dry mouth, metallic taste, muscle pain, bone pain, ataxia, and hypotonia.

Late symptoms may include polyuria, polydipsia, weight loss, nocturia, conjunctivitis, photophobia, rhinorrhea, pruritus, hyperthermia, decreased libido, and cardiac arrhythmias.

One should stop the vitamin D and calcium product administration if hypocalcemia develops.

Can Emergen-C be taken with Amlodipine?

One should monitor the patient if he had administered the calcium-containing product and Emergen-C together.

The calcium-containing product can reduce the effectiveness of calcium channel blockers by saturating calcium channels with calcium.

For management purpose, one should monitor the activity of calcium channel blockers during co-administration of calcium products.

Can Emergen-C be taken with Atenolol?

Oral bioavailability of atenolol (and other beta blockers) can be reduced by the concurrent administration of calcium salts. However, the exact mechanism behind the reduction in oral bioavailability of atenolol is unknown.

As per a study, peak plasma concentration, area under the curve of atenolol is found to be reduced by 51% and 32% respectively, when taken with calcium (500 mg), however, the elimination half-life of atenolol is increased by 44%.

The beta-blocking activity also reduced when compared with atenolol alone.

In the course of the management, one can separate the administration times of atenolol and Emergen-C (or calcium products) by minimum 2 hours.

Patients should be monitored for potentially diminished beta-blocking effects following the addition of calcium therapy.

Can Emergen-C be taken with Ofloxacin?

Multi-minerals oral supplements that contain magnesium, calcium or aluminum can effectively reduce the absorption of antibiotics of quinolone category.

Aluminium and other polyvalent cations (iron and zinc) are present in sucralfate which reduces the absorption.

The mechanism is chelation of quinolones by polyvalent cations, forming a complex that is poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.

The bioavailability of ciprofloxacin has been reported to decrease by as much as 90% when administered with antacids containing aluminum or magnesium hydroxide.

Quinolone antibiotics should be dosed either 2 to 4 hours before or 4 to 6 hours after polyvalent cation-containing products, when co-administration cannot be avoided, in order to minimize the potential for interaction.

What is the dosage of Emergen-C?

One should use Emergen-C as directed by the physician or as directed on the label. You should always use the exact amount of this medication, no more or no less medication should be taken.

As it contains multi minerals and multivitamins, you should never use it more than the recommended dose.

You should also not take any other supplement (that contains vitamins), along with this, as it may cause an overdose of the vitamin which may lead to serious side effects. In order to make sure what a medication may contain, read the label carefully before consumption.

• You should take this medicine with a full glass of water. Do not take it with milk or dairy products.
• Always take the liquid medicine after measuring it in a measuring cup, a dose-measuring spoon or a dosing syringe, whichever provided. Ask the pharmacist for measuring devices if it is not already given with medicine.
• If it is in the form of effervescent tablet, dissolve it completely in 4 ounces of water, stir and drink it right away.
• Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet. Swallow it whole.
• Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely and use multivitamins and minerals regularly to get the most benefit.
• Keep the liquid medicine from freezing and store them at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
• Store this medicine in its original container. Storing multivitamins in a glass container can ruin the medication.

Can I take Emergen-C while pregnant or nursing?

If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, always consult your doctor before taking this medication. Also if you are breastfeeding your baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist as if it is safe to breastfeed your baby while having this medication.

What should I do in case of the overdose of Emergen-C?

An overdose of Emergen-C can lead to serious and life-threatening side effects because it contains multi minerals and multivitamins. If you take too much of such multi minerals and multivitamins, they can cause severe symptoms of overdose.

The symptoms of overdose of multiminerals and multivitamins include include increased thirst or urination, severe nausea or stomach pain, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, black and tarry stools, hair loss, peeling skin, tingly feeling in or around your mouth, changes in menstrual periods, weight loss, severe headache, severe back pain, blood in your urine, pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, severe drowsiness, slow heart rate, shallow breathing, weak and rapid pulse, confusion, muscle weakness, cold and clammy skin, blue lips, and seizure (convulsions).

What should I do in case of a missed dose of Emergen-C?

In order to get the maximum benefit of minerals and vitamins, take the appropriate and recommended dose on time. Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Do not double up the dose in order to meet the previous dose.

Also, you should avoid taking any other supplement that may contain vitamin in order to maintain the missed dose. Always consult your doctor before taking this medicine and it is always advisable to take the recommended dosage of this medication.

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