Folic Acid
Generic Name
Folic Acid 5 mg Tablet
Manufacturer
Multiple Generic Manufacturers
Country
Global; often manufactured locally in many countries
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| folic acid 5 mg tablet | ৳ 0.35 | N/A |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Folic acid is a synthetic form of folate, a B-vitamin (B9) essential for DNA synthesis, repair, and methylation. It is crucial for cell division and growth, particularly for rapidly dividing cells like those in bone marrow and the gastrointestinal tract. A 5 mg tablet is typically used to treat or prevent folate deficiency, especially in conditions like megaloblastic anemia, and to reduce the risk of neural tube defects during pregnancy.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
For folate deficiency: 5 mg daily for 4 months; then 5 mg every 1-7 days depending on the underlying cause. For prevention of neural tube defects in high-risk women: 5 mg daily starting before conception and continuing through the first trimester.
Elderly
Same as adult dose, but caution may be needed in polypharmacy due to potential drug interactions.
Renal_impairment
No specific dose adjustment required for folic acid, but underlying cause and concurrent medications should be considered.
How to Take
Oral administration. Tablets can be taken with or without food.
Mechanism of Action
Folic acid is converted to tetrahydrofolate (THF) in the body, which is a coenzyme required for single-carbon transfers in the synthesis of purine and pyrimidine nucleotides (components of DNA and RNA) and in the interconversion of amino acids. It is crucial for erythropoiesis (red blood cell formation).
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Hematologic response usually within days to a week.
Excretion
Mainly via urine, largely as folate metabolites; excess unmetabolized folic acid is also excreted in urine.
Half life
Approximately 3-4 hours for unconjugated folic acid.
Absorption
Readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, primarily in the duodenum and jejunum.
Metabolism
Rapidly converted to dihydrofolate reductase and tetrahydrofolate in the liver and gastrointestinal mucosa.
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).
- Malignant disease (risk of promoting tumor growth).
Drug Interactions
Methotrexate
Folic acid can reduce methotrexate toxicity, but high doses may interfere with its efficacy. Administer with caution and under medical supervision.
Trimethoprim
Antagonizes folic acid.
Sulfasalazine
Can impair folic acid absorption.
Antiepileptic drugs (e.g., phenytoin, phenobarbital, primidone)
Folic acid can reduce serum levels of these drugs, potentially increasing seizure frequency. Conversely, these drugs can lower folate levels.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Folic acid is generally well-tolerated even at high doses. Acute overdose is rare and generally not associated with serious toxicity. Extremely high doses (e.g., 15 mg/day) over long periods may lead to gastrointestinal disturbances or exacerbate neurological symptoms of undiagnosed B12 deficiency. Treatment is supportive.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category A. Folic acid is highly recommended before and during pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects. It is excreted in breast milk but is considered safe for breastfeeding mothers and infants.
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).
- Malignant disease (risk of promoting tumor growth).
Drug Interactions
Methotrexate
Folic acid can reduce methotrexate toxicity, but high doses may interfere with its efficacy. Administer with caution and under medical supervision.
Trimethoprim
Antagonizes folic acid.
Sulfasalazine
Can impair folic acid absorption.
Antiepileptic drugs (e.g., phenytoin, phenobarbital, primidone)
Folic acid can reduce serum levels of these drugs, potentially increasing seizure frequency. Conversely, these drugs can lower folate levels.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Folic acid is generally well-tolerated even at high doses. Acute overdose is rare and generally not associated with serious toxicity. Extremely high doses (e.g., 15 mg/day) over long periods may lead to gastrointestinal disturbances or exacerbate neurological symptoms of undiagnosed B12 deficiency. Treatment is supportive.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category A. Folic acid is highly recommended before and during pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects. It is excreted in breast milk but is considered safe for breastfeeding mothers and infants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
Typically 2-3 years from manufacturing date.
Availability
Pharmacies, hospitals, health clinics
Approval Status
Approved by major regulatory bodies (e.g., FDA, EMA, DGDA)
Patent Status
Off-patent
WHO Essential Medicine
YesClinical Trials
Extensive clinical trials have established folic acid's efficacy in preventing neural tube defects and treating folate deficiency. Ongoing research explores its role in cardiovascular health and cancer prevention.
Lab Monitoring
- Serum folate levels (if deficiency is suspected or for monitoring treatment response).
- Complete Blood Count (CBC) to monitor anemia.
- Serum Vitamin B12 levels (to rule out coexisting B12 deficiency, especially before starting high-dose folic acid).
Doctor Notes
- Always check Vitamin B12 status before initiating high-dose folic acid therapy.
- Advise women of childbearing potential about the importance of peri-conceptional folic acid supplementation.
- Educate patients on dietary sources of folate.
Patient Guidelines
- Take as directed by your doctor.
- Do not stop taking folic acid without consulting your doctor.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking.
- Report any unusual side effects or allergic reactions promptly.
Missed Dose Advice
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Driving Precautions
Folic acid is not known to impair the ability to drive or operate machinery.
Lifestyle Advice
- Maintain a balanced diet rich in folate (e.g., leafy green vegetables, citrus fruits, beans, fortified grains).
- Limit alcohol intake, as it can interfere with folate absorption.
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Global Brand Names
International brand names for this medicine. Click a brand to search for detailed information.