How To Use IV-C

Intravenous Vitamin C Protocol Using Sodium Ascorbate

We have been administering over 15.000 Intravenous Vitamin C (IV-C) since 1992 using Sodium Ascorbate with a pH of 7.3 to 7.4 diluted with Ringers Lactate. Pure vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) cannot be used intravenously as it is too acidic. The Sodium Ascorbate we used was supplied by Pharmaceutical companies in 25 g bottles in 50 ml solution. The dose of Vitamin C should be 0,75 g per kilo bodyweight to reach the threshold dose for optimum therapeutic effect according to Dr. Klenner. In severe cases the dose can be increased to 1 g per kilo bodyweight. Thus a 50 kg patient would receive 37.5 g Vitamin C and an 80 kg patient would receive 60 g Vitamin C. The Sodium Ascorbate in this example should be diluted 1:4 using Ringers Lactate. The reason for using Ringers Lactate is due to its electrolyte balance, which is similar to plasma. If Ringers Lactate is not available, isotonic saline solution can be used. Patients can feel weak and disorientated using saline. Glucose solution cannot be used.

Sodium Ascorbate BP powder is commercially available and can be dissolved in sterile water according to instructions. Sodium Ascorbate can be made easily from Ascorbic Acid and any hospital pharmacy should know how to do this.

In severe cases a Fast Push injection of 7.5 g should be administered first. It is prepared in a 50 ml syringe. Fill the syringe with 7,5 g of Sodium Ascorbate (in our case 15 ml) and add 30 ml of Ringers Lactate. Inject the solution over 5-7 minutes. Prepare the infusion beforehand and connect it directly after.

How to prepare the IV-C:

Follow the above mentioned guide lines for dose. Use a 500 ml bag of Ringers Lactate. For a 50 g infusion (100 ml) remove 100 ml solution from the bag and replace it with 100 ml of Sodium Ascorbate. For a 25 g infusion (50 ml) remove 300 ml solution and replace it with 50 ml Sodium Ascorbate. The 25 g infusion should contain 250 ml fluid in total.

The IV-C should be administered over 2-3 hours with a maximum drop rate of 70 drops/minute. Two infusions should be given on the same day with a 3-4 hour interval between them. This procedure should be repeated for 3 consecutive days.

In severe cases a single infusion can be administered on day 4 and 5.

During the infusion the patient will become thirsty and should be supplied with a lot of fresh water. Not other drink should be given during the infusion time.

Alcohol must not be consumed during days of IV-C infusions as it acts as a diuretic.

Contraindications for IV-C:

G6PD deficiency. G6PD is an enzyme produced in the liver. It is a rare non life threatening condition. The deficiency of G6PD can cause vitamin C to react with the blood. G6PD deficiency means that these individuals react to certain antibiotics and food stuffs. It is not usually tested for as patients usually know whether or not they have this condition. It is more common in populations from the eastern  Mediterranean and east Africa.

The literature indicates that there is a risk of kidney stones using IV-C. This is purely a hypothesis which does not happen in reality.