NCT06306183 Effect of Vitamin C on Pain Reduction After an Emergency Department Visit
| NCT ID | NCT06306183 |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Phase | — |
| Sponsor | Centre Integre Universitaire de Sante et Services Sociaux du Nord de l'ile de Montreal |
| Condition | Pain, Acute |
| Study Type | INTERVENTIONAL |
| Enrollment | 204 participants |
| Start Date | 2025-09-01 |
| Primary Completion | 2028-12 |
Eligibility & Interventions
Eligibility Fast-Check
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What to Expect as a Participant
You will actively receive the study intervention — which may be a drug, biologic, device, or procedure.
This trial targets 204 participants in total. It began in 2025-09-01 with a primary completion date of 2028-12.
⚠ This information is for research awareness only. Always consult your physician before joining any clinical trial. Participation is voluntary and you may withdraw at any time.
Brief Summary
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.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Age ≥ 18 years old 2. Presenting to the ED with acute MSK pain of ≤ 48 hours duration at triage 3. Verbal numerical rating scale pain intensity at triage of ≥ 4 on a 0-10 scale 4. Triaged to the ambulatory section of the ED 5. Able to communicate in French or English Exclusion Criteria: 1. Usage of Vit C supplements in the last week 2. Active cancer 3. Treated with opioids for any pain within 24 hours prior to recruitment 4. Treatment for chronic pain 5. Unable to fill out a pain intensity diary or unavailable for follow-up 6. Allergy to milk (lactose in the placebo) or Vit C 7. Treated with cyclosporine or warfarin 8. Pre-existing oxalate nephropathy, liver cirrhosis or hemochromatosis 9. Hospitalized after clinician evaluation
Contact & Investigator
Raoul Daoust, MD MSc
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Université de Montréal
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join the NCT06306183 clinical trial?
This trial is open to participants of all sexes, aged 18 Years or older, studying Pain, Acute. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria are listed in the Eligibility Criteria section. Always confirm your eligibility with the research team before applying.
Is NCT06306183 currently recruiting?
Yes, NCT06306183 is actively recruiting participants. Contact the research team at martin.marquis.cnmtl@ssss.gouv.qc.ca for enrollment information.
Where is the NCT06306183 trial being conducted?
This trial is being conducted at Ottawa, Canada, Lévis, Canada, Montreal, Canada, Québec, Canada.
Who is sponsoring the NCT06306183 clinical trial?
NCT06306183 is sponsored by Centre Integre Universitaire de Sante et Services Sociaux du Nord de l'ile de Montreal. The principal investigator is Raoul Daoust, MD MSc at Université de Montréal. The trial plans to enroll 204 participants.