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Indications/Uses
Folic acid is used in the treatment of megaloblastic anemia associated with folic acid deficiency. For prophylaxis in chronic haemolytic states or in renal dialysis. Also in the prophylaxis of megaloblastic anemia during pregnancy and in prevention of neural tube defects.
Dosage/Direction for Use
For the treatment of megaloblastic anemia, Folic acid is given by mouth in doses of 5 mg for 4 months; up to 15 mg daily may be necessary in malabsorption states. Continued administration of folic acid 5 mg every 1 to 7 days by mouth may be necessary in chronic haemolytic states. In the prophylaxis of megaloblastic anemia of pregnancy, the usual dose is 0.2 to 0.5 mg daily. And 4 or 5 mg daily in prevention of neural tube defect starting before pregnancy and continued through the first trimester. For other women of child-bearing potential the dose is 0.4 mg daily.
Administration
May be taken with or without food.
Contraindications
Vit B12 deficiency in patients w/ undiagnosed megaloblastic anemia.
Special Precautions
Folic acid should not be given alone or in conjunction with inadequate amounts of Vitamin B12 for the treatment of undiagnosed megaloblastic anemia, since folic acid may produce a hematopoietic response in patients with a megaloblastic anemia due to Vitamin B12 deficiency without preventing aggravation of neurological symptoms. This masking of the true deficiency state can lead to serious neurological damage, such as subacute combined degeneration of the cord.
Caution is advised in patients who may have folate dependent tumors.
Caution is advised in patients who may have folate dependent tumors.
Adverse Reactions
Folic acid is generally well tolerated. Gastrointestinal disturbances and hypersensitivity reactions have been reported rarely.
Storage
Store at room temperatures not exceeding 30°C.
Action
Pharmacology: Pharmacokinetics: Folic acid is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, mainly from the duodenum and jejunum. Dietary folates are stated to be less well absorbed than crystalline folic acid. The naturally occurring folate polyglutamates are largely deconjugated and reduced by dihydrofolate reductase in the intestines to form 5-methyltetrahydrofolate, which appears in the portal circulation, where it is extensively bound to plasma proteins. Folic acid administered therapeutically enters the portal circulation largely unchanged since it is a poor substrate for reduction by dihydrofolate in the plasma and liver.
The principal storage site of folate is the liver; it is also actively concentrated in the CSF. Folate metabolites are eliminated in the urine. Folate is distributed into breast milk. Folic acid is removed by haemodialysis.
The principal storage site of folate is the liver; it is also actively concentrated in the CSF. Folate metabolites are eliminated in the urine. Folate is distributed into breast milk. Folic acid is removed by haemodialysis.
MedsGo Class
Vitamins & Minerals (Pre & Post Natal) / Antianemics
Features
Brand
Foliage
Full Details
Dosage Strength
5 mg
Drug Ingredients
- Vit. B9 (Folic Acid)
Drug Packaging
Capsule 1's
Generic Name
Vit. B9 (Folic Acid)
Dosage Form
Capsule
Registration Number
DRP-7211
Drug Classification
Prescription Drug (RX)