Tablet EC is a film coated tablet. Each film coated tablet contains vitamin C BP 200mg andvitamin E BP 50 mg.
The active ingredients of EC tablet namely Vitamin C and Vitamin E have been linked withreduced risks of cardiovascular diseases in human. All of these antioxidant vitamins have alsobeen linked with reduced risks of cataract. Concurrent intake of Vitamin E and Vitamin Csuggests that their action may be synergistic.Supplementation with Vitamin E shows to reduce the susceptibility of blood lipoproteins (theproteins that carry cholesterol in blood) to oxidation, which is the major causative factor in theformation of atheroma in the walls of blood vessels .Vitamin E also helps to protect the immunesystem and hence to combat infection and chronic diseases.Vitamin E may also be of value in reversing the age related trend toward decreased competenceof the immune system, as well as other age-related degenerative changes. Moreover, it wasrecently reported that high-dose supplementation with vitamin C could correct the elevatedsorbitol levels seen in diabetics, inhibiting the activity of the enzyme aldose reductase.The primary role of Vitamin E is the prevention of oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids.Vitamin E reacts with free radicals which are the cause of oxidative damage to cell membranes,without the formation of another free radical in the process.Vitamin C is the most powerful reducing agent known to be present in living tissue. It is a cofactorin numerous biological processes. Vitamin C plays an important part in the response of thebody to stress. It is important in the defense against infection and studies have shown thatVitamin C is important in the normal functioning of T-lymphocytes and for the effectivephagocytic activity of leucocytes. Vitamin C possesses some anti-inflammatory activity andprotects cells against oxidative damage of essential molecules. It?s reductive capacity isimportant in iron metabolism and it is necessary for the incorporation of iron into ferritin, andcatalyses the reduction of ferric iron to the ferrous form. Vitamin C increases iron absorption.
EC tablet is administered orally. The adult dose is 1 tablet daily or as directed by the physician.
Vitamin C in megadoses has been contra-indicated for patients with hyperoxaluria. A pregnantwoman taking more than 5 gm daily ascorbate may suffer from fetal abortion. Higher doses ofVitamin C have reported to cause failure of conception. In case of Vitamin E, there is no absolutecontra-indication.
Vitamin C should be given with care to patient with hyperoxaluria. In patients taking oralanticoagulants or oestrogens Vitamin E should be given carefully because it has been found toantagonize the effects of Vitamin K leading to an increase in blood clotting time in these patients.
Pharmaceutical PrecautionsStore in a cool, dry place and away from light. Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Vitamin C is incompatible in solution with Aminophylline, Bleomycin, Erythromycin,Lactobionate, Nafcillin, Nitrofuranotion Sodium, conjugated Oestrogens, Sodium bicarbonate,Sulphafurazole diethanolamine, Chloramphenicol sodium succinate, Chlorthiazide sodium andHydrocortisone sodium succinate. It increases the apparent half life of Paracetamol and enhancesiron absorption from the gastrointestinal tract.No potentially useful drug-interaction with Vitamin E has been described. However, high dosesof Vitamin E can impair intestinal absorption of Vitamin A and K.
Vitamin C is usually well tolerated. Large doses are reported to cause diarrhea and other gastrointestinal disturbances. It has also been stated that large doses may cause hyperoxaluria and the formation of renal calcium oxalate calculi and it should therefore be given with care to patients with hyperoxaluria. Vitamin E is usually well tolerated. Large doses may cause diarrhea, abdominal pain, and other gastrointestinal disturbances, and have also been reported to cause fatigue and weakness.
Each container contains 20 tablets.
