Nuvifol
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 |
|---|---|---|
| nuvifol 5 mg tablet | ৳ 9.00 | ৳ 90.00 |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Nuvifol-5 mg tablet contains Folic Acid, a B vitamin essential for cell division, growth, and the formation of red blood cells. It is primarily used to treat and prevent folic acid deficiency and associated anemias, and as a supplement during pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
For megaloblastic anemia: 5 mg daily for 4 months. For prevention of neural tube defects: 5 mg daily starting before conception and continuing through the first trimester.
Elderly
Same as adult dose, usually no specific dose adjustment required.
Renal_impairment
No specific dose adjustment necessary for mild to moderate renal impairment. For severe impairment, consultation with physician is advised, though usually well tolerated.
How to Take
Oral. Can be taken with or without food.
Mechanism of Action
Folic acid is reduced in the body to tetrahydrofolate, which is a coenzyme for various metabolic processes, including DNA synthesis and repair, and cell division. It is particularly important in the rapid cell division and growth of infancy and pregnancy.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Therapeutic effects visible within days to weeks depending on the deficiency.
Excretion
Mainly via urine, with some biliary excretion. Excess is excreted unchanged in the urine.
Half life
Approximately several hours (unmetabolized folic acid), but tetrahydrofolate forms have longer biological half-lives.
Absorption
Readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, primarily from the duodenum and upper jejunum.
Metabolism
Primarily in the liver, where it is converted to active tetrahydrofolate forms.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- •Hypersensitivity to folic acid or any component of the formulation
- •Untreated pernicious anemia or other vitamin B12 deficiencies (folic acid can mask B12 deficiency symptoms while allowing neurological damage to progress)
Drug Interactions
Phenytoin
Folic acid may reduce the effectiveness of phenytoin. Phenytoin may also reduce folic acid levels.
Methotrexate
Folic acid supplementation can reduce the efficacy of methotrexate in some conditions, but it is also used as leucovorin rescue.
Trimethoprim/Pyrimethamine
These antifolate drugs may interfere with folic acid metabolism.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Folic acid is generally considered non-toxic at high doses. Acute overdose is rare and usually asymptomatic. Large doses may cause gastrointestinal disturbances, sleep disturbances, or irritability. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Folic acid is essential during pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects and is generally considered safe and beneficial. It is also safe during lactation and is excreted in breast milk in small amounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
Typically 2-3 years from manufacturing date.
Availability
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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