Refolic
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 |
|---|---|---|
| refolic 5 mg tablet | ৳ 0.27 | ৳ 2.70 |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Refolic 5 mg Tablet contains Folic Acid, a form of Vitamin B essential for various bodily functions, including red blood cell formation, DNA synthesis, and cell growth. It is used to treat and prevent folate deficiency, which can lead to certain types of anemia, and is crucial for preventing neural tube defects in pregnancy.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
For treatment of folate deficiency: 5 mg daily for 4 months. For prevention of neural tube defects: 5 mg daily, started before conception and continued through the first trimester.
Elderly
No specific dose adjustment required, usually same as adults.
Renal_impairment
No specific dose adjustment required.
How to Take
Take the tablet orally with water, with or without food. It is usually taken once daily.
Mechanism of Action
Folic acid is reduced in the body to tetrahydrofolate, which is a coenzyme for various metabolic processes, including the synthesis of purine and pyrimidine nucleotides (essential for DNA and RNA synthesis) and the metabolism of amino acids. It is crucial for cell division and growth, especially for erythropoiesis (red blood cell production).
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Therapeutic effects are observed within days to weeks, depending on the severity of deficiency.
Excretion
Mainly excreted in the urine, with some biliary excretion and enterohepatic recirculation.
Half life
Approximately 3-5 hours for circulating folate.
Absorption
Readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, primarily in the duodenum and jejunum.
Metabolism
Primarily metabolized in the liver to active forms like tetrahydrofolate.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- •Known hypersensitivity to folic acid or any component of the tablet.
- •Untreated pernicious anemia or other vitamin B12 deficiencies (as folic acid can mask B12 deficiency symptoms, allowing neurological damage to progress).
Drug Interactions
Phenytoin
Folic acid may reduce the serum levels of phenytoin, potentially leading to increased seizure activity. Patients should be monitored.
Methotrexate
Folic acid can interfere with the antifolate effects of methotrexate. Folic acid supplementation in methotrexate therapy requires careful consideration by a physician.
Pyrimethamine
Folic acid can reduce the effectiveness of pyrimethamine.
Sulfasalazine
May impair folic acid absorption.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, below 30°C. Protect from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Folic acid has a very low toxicity profile. Acute overdose is extremely rare and generally asymptomatic. No specific antidote is available; supportive care is usually sufficient.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Category A. Folic acid is essential during pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects. It is considered safe and recommended during lactation as well. Doses above 1 mg daily should be physician-prescribed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
Usually 24 to 36 months from the manufacturing date.
Availability
Pharmacies, Hospitals
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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