Medicine Information

Foly

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

Tablet15 mgHaematinics and anti-anemic preparationsATC: B03BB01

Generic Name

Folic Acid

Manufacturer

Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

Country

Bangladesh

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Price Details

Current market pricing information

Variant	Unit Price	Strip Price
foly 15 mg tablet	৳ 25.00	৳ 350.00

Description

Overview of the medicine

Folic Acid is a water-soluble B-vitamin that plays a crucial role in DNA synthesis, cell division, and red blood cell formation. Foly 15 mg tablet is used to treat and prevent conditions caused by low levels of folic acid, such as megaloblastic anemia, and is also important for women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant to prevent neural tube defects in the baby.

Uses & Indications

Treatment and prevention of megaloblastic anemia due to folate deficiency

Prophylaxis of neural tube defects in women planning pregnancy and during early pregnancy

Folate deficiency due to malabsorption syndromes (e.g., celiac disease, Crohn's disease)

Increased folate requirements in conditions like chronic hemolytic states (e.g., sickle cell anemia, thalassemia)

Folate deficiency induced by certain drugs (e.g., methotrexate, some anticonvulsants)

Dosage

Adults

The dosage for Foly 15 mg is typically reserved for severe folate deficiency or specific medical conditions. For severe megaloblastic anemia: 15 mg daily for 1-4 months or until blood counts normalize. For chronic hemolytic states: 15 mg once weekly or as directed by a physician.

Elderly

No specific dose adjustment is usually required for elderly patients; use adult dosage.

Renal_impairment

No dose adjustment is generally necessary for renal impairment, but caution is advised in severe cases.

How to Take

Take the tablet orally with water, with or without food, as directed by your physician. Do not crush or chew the tablet unless advised by a doctor.

Mechanism of Action

Folic acid is metabolically inactive, but is converted to tetrahydrofolic acid and methyltetrahydrofolate in the body, which act as coenzymes in various metabolic processes, including the synthesis of purine and pyrimidine nucleotides, interconversion of amino acids, and formation of methionine. These processes are essential for normal erythropoiesis (red blood cell production) and cell division.

Pharmacokinetics

Onset

Hematological response typically seen within 2-3 weeks of continuous therapy.

Excretion

Excreted primarily via the kidneys, with some biliary excretion and enterohepatic recirculation. Excess amounts are excreted unchanged in the urine.

Half life

Plasma half-life of unconjugated folic acid is about 3-6 hours.

Absorption

Readily absorbed from the proximal small intestine, primarily jejunum, after oral administration. Peak plasma concentrations are reached in 1-6 hours.

Metabolism

Primarily metabolized in the liver to active forms (tetrahydrofolate and methyltetrahydrofolate).

Side Effects

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to folic acid or any component of the formulation
Undiagnosed megaloblastic anemia (as folic acid can mask vitamin B12 deficiency, leading to neurological damage)

Drug Interactions

Methotrexate

Folic acid can antagonize the effects of methotrexate; usually administered as 'folinic acid rescue' or at different times.

Oral contraceptives

May lower serum folate levels.

Sulfasalazine, Trimethoprim, Pyrimethamine

These drugs can inhibit dihydrofolate reductase, interfering with folic acid metabolism.

Antiepileptic drugs (e.g., Phenytoin, Phenobarbital, Primidone)

Folic acid may reduce the plasma levels of these drugs, potentially increasing seizure frequency. Conversely, these drugs can reduce folate levels.

Storage

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

Overdose

Folic acid has a very low toxicity profile. Acute overdose is rare and generally not associated with serious adverse effects. Treatment is usually symptomatic and supportive.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Folic acid is essential during pregnancy for the prevention of neural tube defects. It is considered safe and recommended for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Higher doses like 15 mg should only be used under medical supervision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this medicine

Pack Sizes

10 tablets30 tablets (3 strips x 10)

Shelf Life

36 months from manufacturing date

Availability

Pharmacies, hospitals, clinics

Approval Status

Approved by regulatory authorities

Patent Status

Off-patent

WHO Essential Medicine

Yes

Clinical Trials

Folic acid is a well-established vitamin; new clinical trials are generally focused on specific deficiency populations or novel delivery methods rather than the basic compound itself.

Lab Monitoring

Complete Blood Count (CBC)
Serum Folate levels
Serum Vitamin B12 levels (to rule out deficiency)

Doctor Notes

Always rule out Vitamin B12 deficiency before initiating high-dose folic acid therapy to prevent neurological complications.
Monitor patient's hematological parameters regularly during treatment.
Advise pregnant patients on the critical importance of folic acid for fetal development.

Patient Guidelines

Take Foly 15 mg exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
Do not stop taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
Inform your doctor about all other medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking.
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.

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 take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Driving Precautions

Foly 15 mg is not known to affect the ability to drive or operate machinery.

Lifestyle Advice

Maintain a balanced diet rich in folate (leafy green vegetables, legumes, fortified cereals).
Limit alcohol intake, as it can impair folate absorption.