Effect of Vitamin C on Pain Reduction After an Emergency Department Visit

Recruiting now · Not applicable · Has a placebo group

Conditions studied: Pain, Acute

In brief

Musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries such as sprains, strains, bruises, and fractures are among the most common reasons people visit the emergency department. These injuries often cause significant pain in the first few days, making it difficult to move, work, or sleep. Usual pain medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help, but they are not safe or effective for everyone. Some people cannot take them because of heart, kidney, stomach, or liver problems. Others still experience strong pain despite treatment. Because of these limits, some patients receive opioids, which can cause side effects and carry a risk of dependence. Safer and more accessible options are needed. Vitamin C is widely known for supporting the immune system, but research suggests it may also help reduce pain and inflammation. Studies in surgical patients have shown that vitamin C can lower pain levels, reduce the need for opioids, and support healing. These effects may be linked to its antioxidant properties and its role in tissue repair. However, no study has tested whether vitamin C can help people with recent MSK injuries treated in the emergency department. The VICAMED study aims to answer this question. Adults arriving with an MSK injury that occurred within the past 48 hours can participate if they have at least moderate pain. Participants are randomly assigned to receive either vitamin C or a placebo. The first dose is given in the emergency department, followed by twice daily capsules for three days. Pain is measured using a simple 0-100 scale, recorded in an electronic or paper diary. A follow-up on day six helps the research team understand each participant's recovery, medication use, and overall experience. Vitamin C is inexpensive, widely available, and very safe at the doses used in this study. If it proves effective, it could offer a simple, low risk option to help patients manage pain after an MSK injury and reduce the need for opioids in emergency care.

Key facts

Study ID: NCT06306183
Run by: Centre Integre Universitaire de Sante et Services Sociaux du Nord de l'ile de Montreal
People needed: 204
Starts: 2025-09-01
Expected to finish: 2029-12-01
Last updated by the study team: 2026-03-02

Who can join

Age: 18 and older. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may qualify if…

Age ≥ 18 years old
Presenting to the ED with acute MSK pain of ≤ 48 hours duration at triage
Verbal numerical rating scale pain intensity at triage of ≥ 4 on a 0-10 scale
Triaged to the ambulatory section of the ED
Able to communicate in French or English

You may not qualify if…

Usage of Vit C supplements in the last week
Active cancer
Treated with opioids for any pain within 24 hours prior to recruitment
Treatment for chronic pain
Unable to fill out a pain intensity diary or unavailable for follow-up
Allergy to milk (lactose in the placebo) or Vit C
Treated with cyclosporine or warfarin
Pre-existing oxalate nephropathy, liver cirrhosis or hemochromatosis
Hospitalized after clinician evaluation

Where it is running

Hopital du Sacre-Coeur de Montreal — Montreal, Quebec, Canada (enrolling)
The Ottawa Hospital - General and Civic Campus — Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Hôtel-Dieu de Lévis — Lévis, Quebec, Canada
CHU de Québec - Université Laval — Québec, Quebec, Canada

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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