Vitamin C infusion is a treatment procedure by introducing vitamin C into the body through a vein. Vitamin C infusion is usually given when the patient's body requires large doses of vitamin C.
Vitamin C or ascorbic acid is a substance that has benefits for the body, including:
- Produce proteins that are useful in the formation of skin, muscles, ligaments (connective tissue), and blood vessels.
- Accelerate the healing process and the formation of wound tissue.
- Repairs and maintains cartilage, bones and teeth.
- Helps absorption of iron.
- Boost the immune system.
- Reducing the side effects of chemotherapy for cancer patients.
- Acts as an antioxidant, which is a nutrient that protects the body from damage caused by free radicals, such as cigarette smoke or radiation.
The human body is not able to produce vitamin C. However, vitamin C intake can be obtained from fruits and vegetables, such as oranges, kiwi, mango, pineapple, tomatoes, potatoes, broccoli, peppers, and spinach. Adults (aged 19-64 years) need vitamin C intake of 40 mg per day. Deficiency or deficiency of vitamin C continuously (chronically) can cause a disease called scurvy.
One form of vitamin C treatment therapy is through a vein, known as vitamin C infusion. When vitamin C is given through an IV, blood levels of vitamin C can be higher than oral vitamin C. Giving high doses of vitamin C is also thought to be able to slow down the growth of cancer cells and improve the quality of life of patients. However, this still requires further research.
Indications for Vitamin C Infusion
Vitamin C infusion is generally performed on patients with the following medical disorders:
- Vitamin C deficiency, which is a condition when the body lacks vitamin C, so that the immune system is disturbed and causes damage to various body tissues. If vitamin C deficiency is allowed to occur, then within a period of 3 months or more, it can cause scurvy.
- Impaired absorption of iron, which can lead to iron deficiency anemia.
- Tyrosinemia, which is a genetic disorder that causes disruption of the metabolism of the amino acid tyrosine which is characterized by high levels of tyrosine in the blood.hypertyrosinemia) and urine (tyrosinuria).
In addition, vitamin C infusion may be used as a type of treatment therapy for cancer, degenerative diseases (eg diabetes, heart disease, stroke, or Alzheimer's disease), and infectious diseases (eg flu, pneumonia, or tuberculosis). still needs further research regarding its effectiveness and possible risks.
Warning:
- Tell your doctor if you have a history of kidney disease, because vitamin C infusions have a risk of causing kidney failure, especially in patients who are about to undergo high doses of vitamin C infusions.
- Tell your doctor if you have a history of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD deficiency), because it can cause hemolysis, which is a condition when red blood cells are destroyed.
- Tell your doctor if you have hemochromatosis, because vitamin C causes iron to be easily absorbed by the body.
- Tell your doctor about any medications or supplements you have or are currently taking, especially antihistamines, at least 24 hours before taking a vitamin C infusion.
Before Vitamin C Infusion
Before undergoing a vitamin C infusion, the doctor will first check the patient's medical history, starting from complaints, history of diseases that have been suffered, and the types of drugs that are currently and have been consumed. Next, the doctor may perform a physical examination to detect the disorder the patient is experiencing and the patient's overall condition. Laboratory and supporting tests can also be done to confirm the diagnosis, such as blood tests, urine tests, X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs.
In addition, there are several things that patients need to prepare and do before undergoing vitamin C infusion, including:
- Wear clothing that is comfortable and easily accessible to the patient's upper arm.
- Increase the consumption of fluids, so that the body avoids dehydration and makes it easier for doctors to access the patient's blood vessels.
- Eat food before undergoing a vitamin C infusion to reduce the risk of changes in blood sugar levels.
- Be mobile, as the blood vessels may be more difficult to access if the patient is not moving before the infusion.
Vitamin C Infusion Procedure
Vitamin C infusion is the same as the treatment procedure through the infusion in general. The steps of the vitamin C infusion procedure are as follows:
- The doctor will install tourniquet, which is an elastic cord that is tied around the patient's upper arm to compress and stop blood flow, so that the blood vessels dilate and the doctor can easily detect the right blood vessels to deliver vitamin C.
- The doctor will sterilize the area of skin where the needle will be inserted with an alcohol swab.
- Next, the doctor will insert an intravenous needle (abocath) into the blood vessels. If a small amount of blood appears in the tube (compartment) on the IV needle, it is certain that the needle has entered a vein. The patient will feel pain and discomfort when the needle is pricked
- The doctor will release tourniquet from the patient's arm, then connect the IV needle with an IV tube that has been connected to a bag of fluid filled with vitamin C. The doctor will usually put a plaster on the IV needle to keep the needle from moving or pulling out.
- The doctor will adjust the infusion fluid according to the patient's needs and record the date and time of infusion, the type of fluid, and the number of infusion drops.
- As long as the infusion fluid is given, the doctor will observe the patient's vital condition, the smoothness of the infusion drip, and the condition of the injection area.
- After the vitamin liquid in the IV bag is used up, the doctor will close the IV fluid controller (roller clamp) to stop the flow of liquid.
- The doctor will apply pressure to the area where the needle was inserted with a cotton swab or alcoholic gauze, then gently withdraw the needle and IV tube. The patient will feel pain again when the needle is withdrawn.
- Patients are advised to keep pressure on the injection site for several minutes to reduce the risk of bleeding.
- The doctor will cover the injection area with a bandage or bandage.
The vitamin C infusion treatment procedure generally lasts 1-2 hours, depending on the patient's condition and the number of doses given.
After Vitamin C Infusion
Patients may feel tired, light-headed, or dizzy after taking vitamin C infusions, especially patients on high doses of vitamin C. However, this condition can be avoided by consuming plenty of fluids and food before and after the infusion. Patients are also at risk for minor bruising at the injection site, but these will usually go away on their own within a week.
After the doctor observes and ensures the patient's condition is stable, the patient will be allowed to go home and carry out normal activities. The effect of vitamin C treatment through infusion is generally felt 2-3 days after the treatment procedure.
To prevent vitamin C deficiency and maintain a healthy body, there are several things that can be done, including:
- Expand consumption of vegetables and fruits with high levels of vitamin C.
- Quit smoking because smoking can inhibit the absorption of vitamin C into the body.
- Limit consumption of alcoholic beverages.
- Exercise regularly.
Risks of Vitamin C Infusion
Giving vitamin C by infusion is generally safe to do. However, just like other intravenous drug administration procedures, vitamin C infusion also has risks, including:
- Infection. Infection may occur at the injection site. The infection can also enter the bloodstream and cause severe infections throughout the body. To prevent infection, the infusion process needs to be done carefully using sterilized equipment.
- Blood clotting. Treatment through an IV can cause blood clots to form along the veins. Blood clots can cause tissue damage and even death.
- Embolism. If air gets into the syringe or medication bag and the IV line is dry, air bubbles can enter the vein. Air bubbles can travel to the heart or lungs and block blood flow. This condition can cause a heart attack or stroke.
- Blood vessel damage. The use of needles and IV tubes can cause damage to blood vessels and trigger the seepage of drugs that are delivered through the IV into the surrounding tissue, causing tissue damage.
Call your doctor right away if you have a fever and redness, pain, warmth, and swelling at the injection site.
