Medicine Information

i-fol

Name: i-fol
Brand: i-fol
Rating: 4.5 (117 reviews)

TabletFerrous Fumarate 200 mg and Folic Acid 0.5 mgAnti-anemic preparationsATC: B03AD02

Generic Name

Ferrous Fumarate and Folic Acid

Manufacturer

Reputable Pharmaceutical Company

Country

Bangladesh

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Price Details

Current market pricing information

Variant	Unit Price	Strip Price
i fol 200 mg tablet	৳ 0.30	N/A

Description

Overview of the medicine

i-fol 200 mg Tablet is a combination of Ferrous Fumarate and Folic Acid, used to treat iron deficiency anemia and megaloblastic anemia caused by folic acid deficiency, especially during pregnancy and lactation.

Uses & Indications

Treatment of iron deficiency anemia

Treatment of megaloblastic anemia due to folic acid deficiency

Prophylaxis of iron and folic acid deficiency during pregnancy and lactation

Nutritional anemias where iron and folic acid deficiency coexist

Dosage

Adults

Usually 1 tablet once or twice daily, or as directed by the physician.

Elderly

No specific dosage adjustment needed, use with caution in individuals with co-morbidities.

Renal_impairment

Use with caution; consult physician for dosage adjustment in severe cases.

How to Take

The tablet should be swallowed whole with water, preferably after meals to minimize gastrointestinal upset.

Mechanism of Action

Ferrous Fumarate provides elemental iron necessary for hemoglobin synthesis, while Folic Acid is essential for DNA synthesis and red blood cell maturation.

Pharmacokinetics

Onset

Hematological response usually begins within a few days, full response within weeks.

Excretion

Iron is minimally excreted; mostly through sloughed cells (skin, GI tract). Folic acid is excreted in the urine, primarily as metabolites.

Half life

Iron is recycled, no specific half-life for elemental iron. Folic acid has a half-life of several hours.

Absorption

Iron absorption primarily occurs in the duodenum and upper jejunum, influenced by iron stores and dietary factors. Folic acid is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.

Metabolism

Iron is stored bound to ferritin and transported by transferrin. Folic acid is metabolized in the liver to its active form, tetrahydrofolate.

Side Effects

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to Ferrous Fumarate, Folic Acid, or any excipients
Hemochromatosis and other iron overload disorders
Non-iron deficiency anemias (e.g., hemolytic anemia without concurrent iron deficiency)

Drug Interactions

Tetracyclines, Fluoroquinolones

Iron may chelate these antibiotics, reducing their absorption. Administer at separate times.

Thyroid hormones (Levothyroxine)

Iron may reduce absorption of levothyroxine. Separate administration by several hours.

Phenytoin, Phenobarbital, Primidone

Folic acid may reduce serum levels of these antiepileptics.

Antacids, Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)

May reduce iron absorption. Separate administration by at least 2 hours.

Storage

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

Overdose

Symptoms of iron overdose include severe gastrointestinal irritation, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, followed by pallor, cyanosis, shock, and potentially hepatic necrosis. Folic acid overdose is rare but may include gastrointestinal disturbances. Management involves gastric lavage, chelation therapy (e.g., deferoxamine) for iron, and supportive care.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Generally considered safe and recommended for prophylaxis and treatment of iron and folic acid deficiency during pregnancy and lactation. Consult a doctor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this medicine

Pack Sizes

10 tablets30 tablets100 tablets (hospital pack)

Shelf Life

Typically 24-36 months from manufacturing date.

Availability

Pharmacies nationwide

Approval Status

Approved by DGDA/FDA

Patent Status

Off-patent

WHO Essential Medicine

Yes

Clinical Trials

As a well-established combination, most clinical trials focus on specific patient populations or novel formulations rather than basic efficacy. Data supports its use for iron and folate deficiency.

Lab Monitoring

Hemoglobin and hematocrit levels
Serum ferritin (to assess iron stores)
Red blood cell indices (MCV, MCH)
Serum folate levels

Doctor Notes

Advise patients about potential gastrointestinal side effects and ways to mitigate them (e.g., taking with food).
Emphasize the importance of adherence, especially during pregnancy.
Educate on drug and food interactions.

Patient Guidelines

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
Do not take more than the recommended dose.
Iron supplements can cause black stools, which is usually harmless.
Keep out of reach of children due to risk of iron poisoning.

Missed Dose Advice

If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with the regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

Driving Precautions

Generally does not affect ability to drive or operate machinery. If you experience dizziness or severe side effects, avoid these activities.

Lifestyle Advice

Maintain a balanced diet rich in iron (e.g., red meat, leafy greens) and folate (e.g., legumes, citrus fruits).
Avoid taking iron supplements with calcium supplements, dairy products, tea, or coffee.