Folic-Z
Generic Name
Folic Acid + Zinc Sulphate
Manufacturer
Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Country
Bangladesh
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| folic z 5 mg tablet | ৳ 2.50 | ৳ 25.00 |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Folic-Z 5 mg Tablet is a nutritional supplement containing Folic Acid and Zinc Sulphate. It is used to treat and prevent folic acid and zinc deficiencies, megaloblastic anemia, and to prevent neural tube defects during pregnancy. It also supports immune function and general well-being.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
Usually 1 tablet once daily, or as directed by a physician. For specific conditions like neural tube defect prevention, a doctor may prescribe tailored doses.
Elderly
No specific dosage adjustment is typically required, same as adults.
Renal_impairment
No specific dosage adjustment is usually needed for typical therapeutic doses.
How to Take
Take orally with a glass of water, with or without food, as directed by your doctor.
Mechanism of Action
Folic Acid is essential for DNA synthesis, cell division, and red blood cell formation. It is converted to tetrahydrofolate, a coenzyme for various metabolic processes. Zinc is a co-factor for numerous enzymes, crucial for immune system function, protein synthesis, wound healing, and cell division.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Clinical effects of Folic Acid for anemia take days to weeks. Zinc's therapeutic effects can also take days to weeks for improvement in deficiency symptoms.
Excretion
Excess Folic Acid is primarily excreted renally. Zinc is primarily excreted via feces, with minor urinary excretion.
Half life
Folic Acid (parent compound) has a plasma half-life of 3-6 hours. Zinc's half-life is complex and varies depending on physiological state; the body has homeostatic mechanisms.
Absorption
Folic Acid is rapidly absorbed, primarily from the duodenum and jejunum. Zinc absorption is variable (10-40%), influenced by dietary factors, and occurs mainly in the small intestine.
Metabolism
Folic Acid is reduced to dihydrofolate and then to tetrahydrofolate (the active form) in the liver and gastrointestinal tract. Zinc is not extensively metabolized in the same way as drugs.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- •Hypersensitivity to Folic Acid or Zinc or any other components of the tablet.
- •Undiagnosed megaloblastic anemia where Vitamin B12 deficiency has not been ruled out (Folic Acid can mask B12 deficiency symptoms while allowing neurological damage to progress).
Drug Interactions
Penicillamine
Can chelate zinc.
Iron supplements
High doses of iron can interfere with zinc absorption.
Tetracyclines, Quinolones (e.g., Ciprofloxacin)
Zinc can chelate these antibiotics, reducing both zinc and antibiotic absorption. Take at least 2 hours apart.
Phenytoin, Methotrexate, Pyrimethamine, Sulfasalazine, Trimethoprim
These drugs can antagonize folic acid, reducing its effectiveness.
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 even at high doses, though very high doses may cause gastrointestinal upset. Acute Zinc overdose can cause gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea). Chronic high zinc intake can lead to copper deficiency. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Folic Acid is crucial during pregnancy (especially pre-conception and first trimester) for the prevention of neural tube defects. Zinc is also essential. Both are generally considered safe and beneficial during pregnancy and lactation when taken at recommended doses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
2-3 years from manufacturing date
Availability
Available in pharmacies
Approval Status
Approved
Patent Status
Off-patent
WHO Essential Medicine
YesAlternative Medicines in Bangladesh
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Global Brand Names
International brand names for this medicine
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