Folidel
Generic Name
Folic Acid
Manufacturer
Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Country
Bangladesh
Loading images...
Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| folidel 5 mg tablet | ৳ 9.00 | ৳ 90.00 |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Folidel 5 mg Tablet contains Folic Acid, a synthetic form of folate, which is a B vitamin essential for cell division, DNA synthesis, and red blood cell formation. It is used to treat and prevent folate deficiency and associated conditions.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
For treatment of folate deficiency: 5 mg daily for 4 months. For prevention of neural tube defects: 5 mg daily starting 1 month before conception and continuing through the first trimester.
Elderly
No specific dose adjustment is generally required for elderly patients; dose as per adult recommendations.
Renal_impairment
No dose adjustment is usually necessary for patients with renal impairment.
How to Take
Take the tablet orally with water, with or without food. It should be taken regularly as prescribed by the doctor.
Mechanism of Action
Folic acid is metabolically reduced to tetrahydrofolate, a coenzyme required for single-carbon transfer reactions in the synthesis of purine nucleotides and thymidylates, crucial for DNA and RNA synthesis. It also plays a vital role in amino acid metabolism and normal erythropoiesis.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Haematological response (e.g., reticulocytosis) observed within 3-5 days; full therapeutic effect may take several weeks.
Excretion
Mainly via urine, primarily as unconjugated folic acid and its metabolites. Small amounts are excreted in faeces.
Half life
Approximately 30 minutes for unmetabolized folic acid; however, reduced folates have a much longer half-life due to enterohepatic recirculation.
Absorption
Rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, primarily in the duodenum and jejunum. Peak plasma concentrations reached within 1 hour after oral administration.
Metabolism
Extensively metabolized in the liver and intestinal mucosa to active dihydrofolate reductase and tetrahydrofolate forms.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to folic acid or any component of the formulation.
- Untreated pernicious anaemia or other vitamin B12 deficiencies (Folic acid may mask the neurological symptoms of B12 deficiency while correcting haematological parameters).
Drug Interactions
Phenytoin
Folic acid can reduce plasma concentrations of phenytoin, requiring dosage adjustment of phenytoin.
Methotrexate
Folic acid can interfere with the antifolate effects of methotrexate, reducing its efficacy. However, it is sometimes used as 'folate rescue' to reduce methotrexate toxicity.
Pyrimethamine, Trimethoprim
Folic acid can reduce the effectiveness of these antifolate drugs, which are used as antimicrobials.
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 considered non-toxic even at very high doses. Acute overdose symptoms are rare and typically involve mild gastrointestinal upset. Management is usually symptomatic and supportive.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Folic acid is crucial during pregnancy for normal fetal development, especially for preventing neural tube defects. It is safe and essential during both pregnancy and lactation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
Usually 24 to 36 months from the date of manufacture.
Availability
Pharmacies nationwide
Approval Status
Approved by DGDA
Patent Status
Off-patent
WHO Essential Medicine
YesClinical Trials
Folic acid has been extensively studied and is a well-established and widely used medicine for decades. Its efficacy and safety are well-documented; major clinical trials for its primary indications were conducted many years ago.
Lab Monitoring
- Serum folate levels (before and after treatment)
- Complete blood count (CBC) to monitor anaemia
- Serum vitamin B12 levels (to rule out coexisting B12 deficiency)
Doctor Notes
- Always assess for Vitamin B12 deficiency before initiating high-dose folic acid, especially in elderly patients or those with risk factors, to prevent masking neurological symptoms.
- Crucial for preconception and early pregnancy care to reduce the risk of neural tube defects.
Patient Guidelines
- Take Folidel 5 mg exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
- Do not stop taking the medicine without consulting your doctor, even if you feel better.
- Report any unusual or severe side effects to your healthcare provider immediately.
- For women of childbearing age, consider taking folic acid daily, especially if planning pregnancy.
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 make up for a missed one.
Driving Precautions
Folidel 5 mg is not known to affect the ability to drive or operate machinery.
Lifestyle Advice
- Maintain a balanced diet rich in natural folates, such as leafy green vegetables, fruits, legumes, and fortified cereals.
- Limit alcohol intake, as it can interfere with folate absorption and metabolism.
Alternative Medicines in Bangladesh
Similar medicines available in the market
Global Brand Names
International brand names for this medicine
Related
Medicines
Explore similar medicines to find the best option for your healthcare needs.
Evoloxin
Incepta Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Avilam
Various (e.g., Sanofi as Avil)
Axxo
Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Exler
Incepta Pharmaceuticals
Exalin
Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Azelec
Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Azi S
Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Avloquin-H
General Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Axovit
Reputable Pharma Ltd.
Exipain
Acme Laboratories Ltd.