Preparation
Each film coated tablet contains vitamin C BP 200 mg and vitamin E BP 200 mg.
Indication
The active ingredients of EC-plus tablet namely Vitamin C and Vitamin E have been linked withreduced risks of cardiovascular diseases in human. All of these antioxidant vitamins have also beenlinked with reduced risks of cataract. Concurrent intake of Vitamin E and Vitamin C suggests thattheir 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 competence ofthe immune system, as well as other age-related degenerative changes. Moreover, it was recentlyreported that high-dose supplementation with vitamin C could correct the elevated sorbitol levelsseen 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. VitaminE reacts with free radicals which are the cause of oxidative damage to cell membranes, without theformation 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 co-factorin numerous biological processes. Vitamin C plays an important part in the response of the body tostress. It is important in the defense against infection and studies have shown that Vitamin C isimportant in the normal functioning of T-lymphocytes and for the effective phagocytic activity ofleucocytes. Vitamin C possesses some anti-inflammatory activity and protects cells against oxidativedamage of essential molecules. It?s reductive capacity is important in iron metabolism and it isnecessary for the incorporation of iron into ferritin, and catalyses the reduction of ferric iron to theferrous form. Vitamin C increases iron absorption.
Contraindication
Vitamin C in megadoses has been contra-indicated for patients with hyperoxaluria. A pregnant woman taking more than 5 gm daily ascorbate may suffer from fetal abortion. Higher doses of Vitamin C have reported to cause failure of conception. In case of Vitamin E, there is no absolute contra-indication.
Dosage & Administration
EC-plus tablet is administered orally. The adult dose is 1 tablet daily or as directed by the physician.
Side Effect
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.
Precaution
Vitamin C should be given with care to patient with hyperoxaluria. In patients taking oral anticoagulants or oestrogens Vitamin E should be given carefully because it has been found to antagonize the effects of Vitamin K leading to an increase in blood clotting time in these patients.
Drug Interaction
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 and Hydrocortisone sodium succinate. It increases the apparent half life of Paracetamol and enhances iron absorption from the gastrointestinal tract.
No potentially useful drug-interaction with Vitamin E has been described. However, high doses of Vitamin E can impair intestinal absorption of Vitamin A and K.
Presentation
Each airtight plastic container contains 30 tablets.
