Medicine Information

Folic-Son

Name: Folic-Son
Brand: Folic-Son
Rating: 4.5 (117 reviews)

Tablet5 mgAnti-anemic Preparations, Vitamins & MineralsATC: B03BB01

Generic Name

Folic Acid

Manufacturer

Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

Country

Bangladesh

Loading images...

Price Details

Current market pricing information

Variant	Unit Price	Strip Price
folic son 5 mg tablet	৳ 0.27	N/A

Description

Overview of the medicine

Folic acid is a B vitamin that helps the body produce and maintain new cells, and helps prevent changes to DNA that may lead to cancer. It is essential for red blood cell formation and healthy cell growth. This 5 mg tablet is used for treating and preventing folate deficiency.

Uses & Indications

Treatment and prevention of folate deficiency megaloblastic anemia.

Prevention of neural tube defects during pregnancy (peri-conception to first trimester).

Supplementation in conditions with increased folate requirements (e.g., pregnancy, lactation, chronic hemolytic states, dialysis).

Adjunct therapy for methotrexate toxicity.

Dosage

Adults

Folate deficiency: Initially 5 mg daily for 4 months; then 5 mg every 1-7 days depending on underlying cause. For pregnancy prophylaxis of neural tube defects (high risk): 5 mg daily, starting before conception and continuing through the first trimester.

Elderly

Same as adult dosage, but may require closer monitoring, especially if concurrent vitamin B12 deficiency is suspected.

Renal_impairment

No specific dose adjustment is usually needed; however, use with caution in severe cases due to potential accumulation of inactive metabolites.

How to Take

Oral. Can be taken with or without food. Swallow the tablet whole with water.

Mechanism of Action

Folic acid is reduced in the body to tetrahydrofolate, which is a coenzyme for various metabolic processes, including the synthesis of purine and pyrimidine nucleotides, and hence DNA and RNA, and the interconversion of amino acids. It is crucial for cell division and growth.

Pharmacokinetics

Onset

Hematological response usually seen within 1-2 weeks.

Excretion

Excreted in urine and feces. Excess amounts are excreted unchanged in the urine.

Half life

Approximately 15-20 minutes for unmetabolized folic acid; about 3 hours for total folates.

Absorption

Rapidly absorbed from the GI tract, primarily from the duodenum and jejunum.

Metabolism

Primarily metabolized in the liver to tetrahydrofolate and other active forms.

Side Effects

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to folic acid or any component of the tablet.
Untreated pernicious anemia or other vitamin B12 deficiencies, as folic acid may mask the hematological symptoms while neurological damage progresses irreversibly.

Drug Interactions

Methotrexate

Folic acid can interfere with the action of methotrexate, a chemotherapy drug. Higher doses of folic acid may be required to counteract methotrexate toxicity, but only under strict medical supervision.

Sulfasalazine, Trimethoprim, Pyrimethamine

These drugs can impair folic acid absorption or metabolism, leading to reduced folate levels.

Anticonvulsants (e.g., phenytoin, phenobarbital)

Folic acid may reduce the plasma levels of some anticonvulsants, potentially leading to decreased seizure control.

Storage

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

Overdose

Folic acid is generally well-tolerated at high doses. Acute overdose is rare and usually benign, causing no serious adverse effects. Treatment is supportive and symptomatic if necessary.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Folic acid is crucial during pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects and is safe and recommended for use during lactation. Consult a doctor for appropriate dosage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this medicine

Pack Sizes

10 tablets/strip30 tablets/box

Shelf Life

Typically 2-3 years from manufacturing date.

Availability

Pharmacies, Hospitals

Approval Status

Approved

Patent Status

Generic

WHO Essential Medicine

Yes

Clinical Trials

Extensive clinical trials and epidemiological studies have robustly established the efficacy of folic acid in preventing neural tube defects and treating folate deficiencies across various populations.

Lab Monitoring

Serum folate levels (to assess deficiency and response to treatment).
Complete Blood Count (CBC) (to monitor for anemia).
Vitamin B12 levels (if megaloblastic anemia is suspected, to rule out B12 deficiency).

Doctor Notes

Always assess Vitamin B12 levels before initiating high-dose folic acid therapy in patients suspected of megaloblastic anemia, to prevent masking B12 deficiency and potential neurological complications.
Counsel all women of childbearing age on the importance of peri-conception folic acid supplementation to prevent neural tube defects, ideally starting at least one month before conception.
Consider genetic testing for MTHFR polymorphisms in patients with persistent folate deficiency or suboptimal response to standard folic acid supplementation.

Patient Guidelines

Take Folic-Son 5 mg Tablet exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
Do not stop taking the medicine without consulting your doctor, even if you feel better.
Inform your doctor about all other medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking.
If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, discuss the appropriate dosage with your doctor.

Missed Dose Advice

Take the missed dose 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.

Driving Precautions

Folic acid is generally safe and not known to impair the ability to drive or operate machinery. However, if you experience any uncommon side effects like irritability or malaise, exercise caution.

Lifestyle Advice

Maintain a balanced diet rich in folate (e.g., leafy green vegetables, citrus fruits, fortified cereals, beans).
Limit alcohol intake, as it can interfere with folic acid absorption.

Alternative Medicines in Bangladesh

Similar medicines available in the market

Folicin (Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.)Folison (ACI Limited)Folivita (Beximco Pharmaceuticals Ltd.)Folitas (Incepta Pharmaceuticals Ltd.)

Global Brand Names

International brand names for this medicine

General Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

Tablet200 mg

View Details