If you are taking Vita-Thion granules, you are using a Schedule 0 medicine that is described in the source as a tonic. In simple terms, this product is intended to be taken as a supportive tonic, and it comes in sachets that you dissolve in water.
Vita-Thion contains several ingredients, including vitamin C, glutathion, vitamin B1, sodium adenosine triphosphate, and calcium inositol hexaphosphate. It also contains sugar in the form of sucrose and lactose monohydrate, which is important to know if you have certain rare inherited sugar or lactose-related conditions.
What it is and what it is used for
Vita-Thion is a granule medicine used as a tonic. The source classifies it pharmacologically as A 32.1 Tonics.
Active ingredients
Each 5 g sachet contains:
- Vitamin C 500 mg
- Glutathion 0,5 mg
- Vitamin B1 2 mg
- Sodium adenosine triphosphate 0,5 mg
- Calcium inositol hexaphosphate 100 mg
What Vita-Thion is used for
The source gives the indication as:
- Tonic
No other uses are specified in the source.
Scheduling status
Vita-Thion is listed as:
- Schedule 0
This means it is supplied in South Africa under the scheduling status stated in the source.
How it works (simple explanation)
The source does not give a detailed explanation of how Vita-Thion works in the body.
Based only on what is provided, Vita-Thion is a tonic containing vitamin C, vitamin B1, glutathion, sodium adenosine triphosphate, and calcium inositol hexaphosphate. A tonic is generally used as a supportive product, but the source does not explain a specific body system, disease process, or mechanism of action for Vita-Thion.
Note: The exact way Vita-Thion helps the body is not specified in the source. Use it only for the purpose described in the source, which is as a tonic.
Who should NOT use this medicine
Before you use Vita-Thion, it is important to check whether it is suitable for you. Some people should not take it because of allergies or rare inherited conditions affecting how certain sugars are processed.
Do not use if you…
- Are hypersensitive or allergic to any of the ingredients in Vita-Thion.
- Have a rare hereditary condition such as fructose intolerance.
- Have glucose-galactose mal-absorption.
- Have sucrose-isomaltase insufficiency.
- Have galactose intolerance, such as galactosaemia.
- Have Lapp lactase deficiency.
- Have glucose-galactose mal-absorption linked to lactose intolerance concerns.
- Have fructose intolerance linked to the lactose warning in the source.
Why this matters
Vita-Thion contains:
- Sucrose 2,82 g per sachet
- Lactose monohydrate 0,60 g per sachet
These ingredients may not be suitable for people with certain rare inherited sugar intolerance or absorption conditions.
Warning: Do not take Vita-Thion if you know you are allergic to any of its ingredients, or if you have one of the rare hereditary conditions listed above.
Warnings and precautions (Read before use)
Vita-Thion may seem straightforward to use, but you should still read the safety information carefully. This is especially important if you are giving it to a child or if you have been told you have an intolerance to certain sugars.
Allergy and hypersensitivity
Do not use Vita-Thion if you are hypersensitive to any ingredient in the product. Hypersensitivity means your body reacts badly to an ingredient, which may happen because of an allergy or sensitivity.
The source does not list specific allergy symptoms. If you are unsure whether you have reacted to any of the ingredients before, ask a doctor or pharmacist before using it.
Sugar-related warnings
Vita-Thion contains sucrose. The source states that people with the following rare hereditary conditions should not take Vita-Thion:
- Fructose intolerance
- Glucose-galactose mal-absorption
- Sucrose-isomaltase insufficiency
If you have ever been told you cannot tolerate certain sugars, do not ignore this warning.
Lactose-related warnings
Vita-Thion contains lactose monohydrate. The source states that people with the following rare hereditary conditions should not take Vita-Thion:
- Galactose intolerance, such as galactosaemia
- Lapp lactase deficiency
- Glucose-galactose mal-absorption
- Fructose intolerance
If you are not sure whether your condition falls into one of these categories, speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Vita-Thion.
Driving and using machines
The source does not provide information about driving, operating machinery, or how Vita-Thion may affect alertness.
Not specified in the source.
Alcohol
The source does not mention alcohol use with Vita-Thion.
Not specified in the source.
Medical monitoring
The source does not state that any routine tests or monitoring are needed while taking Vita-Thion.
Not specified in the source.
Pregnancy, planning pregnancy, and breastfeeding
The source does not give specific guidance for pregnancy, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
If you are pregnant, trying to fall pregnant, or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using Vita-Thion.
Not specified in the source. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before use.
Interactions
The source does not list any medicine, food, alcohol, or test interactions with Vita-Thion.
Medicines
No interactions with other medicines are specified in the source.
Food
The source does not give food interaction warnings. It does, however, say Vita-Thion should be taken at breakfast, and for some children also at lunch.
Alcohol
No alcohol interaction is specified in the source.
Laboratory tests
No effects on tests are specified in the source.
Note: If you are taking other medicines or supplements, especially if you are unsure whether the ingredients overlap, ask a pharmacist for advice. The source itself does not provide interaction details.
How to take (Step-by-step)
Take Vita-Thion exactly as described in the source, or as advised by your healthcare professional. The product comes as granules in sachets and should be dissolved in water.
Step-by-step instructions
- Check the sachet before use.
- Use the dose that matches the age group.
- Dissolve the granules in water.
- Take the dose at the time stated in the source.
- Do not exceed the dose stated for your age group unless advised by a healthcare professional.
Adults
Adults should take:
- 1 to 2 sachets
- Dissolved in water
- At breakfast
Children aged 2 to 5 years
Children aged 2 to 5 years should take:
- Half a sachet
- At breakfast
The source does not state whether the half sachet must be dissolved in water for children, but since the adult direction says the sachets are dissolved in water and the product is granules, it is practical to follow the product form and use as directed by a healthcare professional.
Children aged 5 to 15 years
Children aged 5 to 15 years should take:
- Half a sachet at breakfast
- Half a sachet at lunch
Children under 2 years
Use in children under 2 years is not specified in the source.
With or without food
The source says Vita-Thion is taken:
- At breakfast for adults and younger children
- At breakfast and lunch for children aged 5 to 15 years
It does not separately state whether it must be taken before food, with food, or after food.
Missed dose
The source does not provide missed dose instructions.
Not specified in the source. If you forget a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Overdose
The source states that treatment of overdose is symptomatic. This means that if too much is taken, the symptoms are treated as they appear.
The source does not list specific overdose symptoms.
Warning: If you or a child takes more Vita-Thion than directed, contact a doctor, pharmacist, or emergency medical service for advice.
Simple adherence tips based on the directions
Because the source says Vita-Thion is taken at breakfast, it may help to keep the sachets somewhere safe and dry where you will remember them in the morning. For children aged 5 to 15 years, the second half-sachet is taken at lunch, so a caregiver may need to plan how the dose will be given safely during the day.
Keep sachets away from children so they do not accidentally take extra doses.
Dosing table
| Age group | Dose | Frequency | Maximum daily dose stated in the source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adults | 1 to 2 sachets dissolved in water | At breakfast | 2 sachets per day |
| Children 2 to 5 years | Half a sachet | At breakfast | Half a sachet per day |
| Children 5 to 15 years | Half a sachet at breakfast and half a sachet at lunch | Twice daily as stated | 1 sachet per day |
| Children under 2 years | Not specified in the source | Not specified in the source | Not specified in the source |
Possible side effects
The source does not list specific side effects for Vita-Thion.
Because the source does not provide side effect categories, the information below is limited to what is stated: hypersensitivity to ingredients is a contraindication, and overdose treatment is symptomatic.
Common
Common side effects are not specified in the source.
Less common
Less common side effects are not specified in the source.
Serious—seek urgent help
The source states that Vita-Thion should not be used by people with hypersensitivity to the ingredients. It does not describe the symptoms of hypersensitivity.
Seek medical advice urgently if you suspect you are reacting badly after taking Vita-Thion, especially if you have taken it despite knowing you are sensitive to an ingredient.
Also seek urgent help if:
- You or a child takes more than the recommended dose.
- You are worried about symptoms after taking the medicine.
- A child accidentally takes extra sachets.
Warning: The source does not list side effects in detail. Do not continue using Vita-Thion if you suspect an allergic or serious reaction. Get medical help.
Storage and disposal
Proper storage helps keep the medicine in good condition and reduces the chance of accidental use by children.
How to store Vita-Thion
Store Vita-Thion:
- At or below 25 °C
- In a dry place
- Out of reach of children
The source does not mention storage away from light.
Keeping children safe
Always keep Vita-Thion where children cannot see or reach it. Even though the product comes in sachets, children may accidentally open or swallow the contents if it is left within reach.
Expiry guidance
The source does not provide specific expiry instructions beyond storage.
Not specified in the source. Do not use any medicine if you are unsure whether it is still suitable to take. Ask a pharmacist for advice.
Disposal
The source does not provide disposal instructions.
Not specified in the source. If you no longer need the medicine, ask your pharmacist how to dispose of it safely.
What the medicine contains
Each 5 g sachet of Vita-Thion contains the active ingredients listed below.
| Ingredient | Amount per 5 g sachet |
|---|---|
| Vitamin C | 500 mg |
| Glutathion | 0,5 mg |
| Vitamin B1 | 2 mg |
| Sodium adenosine triphosphate | 0,5 mg |
| Calcium inositol hexaphosphate | 100 mg |
| Sucrose | 2,82 g |
| Lactose monohydrate | 0,60 g |
Important ingredients to be aware of
Vita-Thion contains:
- Sucrose
- Lactose monohydrate
These are important because the source specifically warns that people with certain rare hereditary sugar or lactose-related conditions should not take Vita-Thion.
Other ingredients
The source lists the following excipients:
- Sodium chloride
- Sodium bicarbonate
- Tartaric acid
- Potassium hydrogen tartrate
- Calcium carbonate
- Dry orange extract
- Sodium alginate
- Tragacanth
- Polysorbate 80
- Cochineal red A
If you have had a reaction to any of these ingredients before, speak to a doctor or pharmacist before using Vita-Thion.
Pack information and appearance
Vita-Thion is supplied as granules.
Appearance
The granules are described as:
- Pink to red and white granules
Pack sizes
Vita-Thion is supplied in boxes containing:
- 2 sachets
- 10 sachets
- 20 sachets
- 30 sachets
- 60 sachets
Registration and company information
The source lists the registration number as:
- M/33/250
The holder of the certificate of registration is:
- Adcock Ingram Limited
- 1 New Road
- Erand Gardens
- Midrand, 1685
- Private Bag X69
- Bryanston, 2021
The source also states:
- Under licence of Les Laboratoires Servier
The publication date provided in the source is:
- October 1999
Practical FAQs
What is Vita-Thion used for?
Vita-Thion is used as a tonic. No other uses are specified in the source.
How do I take Vita-Thion?
Adults take 1 to 2 sachets dissolved in water at breakfast. Children take a smaller dose depending on age.
Can children take Vita-Thion?
Yes, dosing is provided for children aged 2 to 5 years and 5 to 15 years. Use in children under 2 years is not specified in the source.
How much should a child aged 2 to 5 years take?
A child aged 2 to 5 years should take half a sachet at breakfast.
How much should a child aged 5 to 15 years take?
A child aged 5 to 15 years should take half a sachet at breakfast and half a sachet at lunch.
Can I take Vita-Thion if I am allergic to one of the ingredients?
No. Do not use Vita-Thion if you are hypersensitive to any of its ingredients.
Does Vita-Thion contain sugar?
Yes. Each 5 g sachet contains sucrose 2,82 g. It also contains lactose monohydrate 0,60 g.
Can I take Vita-Thion if I have lactose intolerance or a rare sugar intolerance?
The source warns that people with certain rare hereditary conditions should not take Vita-Thion. These include fructose intolerance, glucose-galactose mal-absorption, sucrose-isomaltase insufficiency, galactose intolerance such as galactosaemia, and Lapp lactase deficiency.
What should I do if I take too much?
The source says overdose treatment is symptomatic. If you or a child takes too much, seek advice from a doctor, pharmacist, or emergency medical service.
How should I store Vita-Thion?
Store it at or below 25 °C in a dry place. Keep it out of reach of children.
Sources :
Written by: RxZest Editorial Team
Editorial review: Checked for readability, structure, and source alignment
Based on SAHPRA-approved information
Last updated: [01/05/2026]
