Medicine Information

Anacare

Name: Anacare
Brand: Anacare
Rating: 4.5 (117 reviews)

Tablet1 mgAntianemic PreparationsATC: B03BB01

Generic Name

Folic Acid

Manufacturer

Hypothetical Pharma Co.

Country

Bangladesh

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Price Details

Current market pricing information

Variant	Unit Price	Strip Price
anacare 1 mg tablet	৳ 40.00	৳ 560.00

Description

Overview of the medicine

Anacare 1 mg tablet contains Folic Acid, a B vitamin essential for cell growth, DNA synthesis, and red blood cell formation. It is used to treat and prevent folate deficiency and associated anemias.

Uses & Indications

Treatment and prevention of folate deficiency

Megaloblastic anemia due to folate deficiency

Prevention of neural tube defects in pregnancy (as a supplement)

Supplementation during pregnancy and lactation

Dosage

Adults

Typical dose for folate deficiency is 0.5-1 mg daily. For prevention of neural tube defects, 0.4-5 mg daily depending on risk factors.

Elderly

No specific dose adjustment required; same as adults.

Renal_impairment

No specific dose adjustment required.

How to Take

Orally, with or without food. Take once daily.

Mechanism of Action

Folic acid is converted to tetrahydrofolate, which is a coenzyme in various metabolic processes, including DNA and RNA synthesis, and amino acid metabolism. It is crucial for cell division and maturation, particularly of red blood cells.

Pharmacokinetics

Onset

Within hours for metabolic effects; clinical effects on anemia are slower (days to weeks).

Excretion

Mainly via urine, as metabolites and unmetabolized folic acid.

Half life

Approximately 3-5 hours (for parent drug), but folate stores can last longer.

Absorption

Readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, primarily in the duodenum and jejunum.

Metabolism

Primarily in the liver, converted to dihydrofolate reductase and then tetrahydrofolate.

Side Effects

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to folic acid or any component of the formulation
Untreated pernicious anemia or other vitamin B12 deficiencies (folic acid can mask B12 deficiency symptoms while neurologic damage progresses)

Drug Interactions

Phenytoin

Folic acid may decrease phenytoin levels; phenytoin may decrease folic acid levels.

Methotrexate

Folic acid can interfere with the antifolate action of methotrexate.

Sulfasalazine

May inhibit folic acid absorption.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place, below 30°C. Protect from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

Overdose

Folic acid is generally non-toxic in high doses. No specific antidote. Symptomatic and supportive treatment if needed.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Considered safe and often recommended during pregnancy and lactation to prevent neural tube defects and support maternal/fetal health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this medicine

Pack Sizes

10 tablets (1 strip)100 tablets (10 strips)

Shelf Life

Typically 24-36 months from manufacturing date.

Availability

Pharmacies, Drugstores

Approval Status

Approved by DGDA/FDA

Patent Status

Off-patent

WHO Essential Medicine

Yes

Clinical Trials

Extensively studied since its discovery; ongoing trials mostly focus on new applications or populations.

Lab Monitoring

Serum folate levels
Vitamin B12 levels (to rule out deficiency before treatment)
Complete Blood Count (CBC)

Doctor Notes

Always rule out B12 deficiency before initiating high-dose folic acid therapy.
Advise patients on dietary sources of folate.
Essential for women of childbearing age.

Patient Guidelines

Take daily as directed.
Do not exceed recommended dose.
Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking.
Report any unusual symptoms.

Missed Dose Advice

If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.