Medicine Information

V-Plex

Name: V-Plex
Brand: V-Plex

Tablet5 mgHaematinics, Vitamin B complex and preparationsATC: B03BB01

Generic Name

Folic Acid 5 mg

Manufacturer

Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

Country

Bangladesh

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Price Details

Current market pricing information

Variant	Unit Price	Strip Price
v plex 5 mg tablet	৳ 0.60	৳ 6.00

Description

Overview of the medicine

V-Plex 5 mg tablet contains Folic Acid, a B vitamin essential for DNA synthesis, cell growth, and red blood cell production. It is used to treat and prevent folate deficiency and associated conditions like megaloblastic anemia, and is crucial during pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects in infants.

Uses & Indications

Treatment and prevention of megaloblastic anemia due to folate deficiency.

Prevention of neural tube defects in infants when taken before and during early pregnancy.

As a supplement in conditions with increased folate requirements (e.g., hemolytic anemia, chronic dialysis, malabsorption syndromes).

Dosage

Adults

Typically 5 mg once daily. Dosage may vary based on indication and severity of deficiency.

Elderly

No specific dosage adjustment required for elderly patients, same as adults.

Renal_impairment

No specific dosage adjustment required, as it is largely excreted unchanged or as active metabolites.

How to Take

Take orally with or without food. It can be taken at any time of day.

Mechanism of Action

Folic acid is reduced in the body to tetrahydrofolate, which is a coenzyme for various metabolic processes, including the synthesis of DNA and RNA precursors, and the metabolism of amino acids. It is vital for erythrocyte maturation and purine and pyrimidine synthesis.

Pharmacokinetics

Onset

Therapeutic effects on hematopoiesis can be seen within days to weeks, depending on the severity of deficiency.

Excretion

Excreted in the urine and feces. Excess folate is excreted unchanged in the urine.

Half life

Approximately 3-5 hours.

Absorption

Rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, primarily in the duodenum and jejunum. Peak plasma concentrations are reached within 1 hour.

Metabolism

Metabolized in the liver to tetrahydrofolate and other active forms.

Side Effects

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to Folic Acid or any component of the formulation.
Undiagnosed megaloblastic anemia, as folic acid can mask vitamin B12 deficiency while allowing neurological damage to progress.

Drug Interactions

Methotrexate

Folic acid can interfere with the antifolate action of methotrexate.

Pyrimethamine

Folic acid may decrease the efficacy of pyrimethamine in malaria or toxoplasmosis treatment.

Phenytoin, Phenobarbital, Primidone

Folic acid may reduce serum concentrations of these antiepileptic drugs, potentially increasing seizure frequency. Conversely, these drugs can reduce folate levels.

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 well-tolerated, even at high doses. Acute overdose is rare and usually asymptomatic. Chronic high doses may rarely cause gastrointestinal upset or mask vitamin B12 deficiency.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Folic acid is essential during pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects and is safe for use during lactation. Dosage may be increased during pregnancy under medical supervision.

Side Effects

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to Folic Acid or any component of the formulation.
Undiagnosed megaloblastic anemia, as folic acid can mask vitamin B12 deficiency while allowing neurological damage to progress.

Drug Interactions

Methotrexate

Folic acid can interfere with the antifolate action of methotrexate.

Pyrimethamine

Folic acid may decrease the efficacy of pyrimethamine in malaria or toxoplasmosis treatment.

Phenytoin, Phenobarbital, Primidone

Folic acid may reduce serum concentrations of these antiepileptic drugs, potentially increasing seizure frequency. Conversely, these drugs can reduce folate levels.

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 well-tolerated, even at high doses. Acute overdose is rare and usually asymptomatic. Chronic high doses may rarely cause gastrointestinal upset or mask vitamin B12 deficiency.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Folic acid is essential during pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects and is safe for use during lactation. Dosage may be increased during pregnancy under medical supervision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this medicine

Pack Sizes

10 tablets per strip100 tablets (10x10 strips) in a box

Shelf Life

Typically 2-3 years from the date of manufacture.

Availability

Available in pharmacies nationwide

Approval Status

Approved by regulatory authorities like DGDA

Patent Status

Off-patent

WHO Essential Medicine

Yes

Clinical Trials

Extensive clinical trials have established the efficacy and safety of folic acid in preventing neural tube defects and treating folate deficiency anemia. Ongoing research explores its role in other conditions like cardiovascular disease and cognitive function.

Lab Monitoring

Complete blood count (CBC) to monitor red blood cell indices.
Serum folate levels.
Serum Vitamin B12 levels (especially if megaloblastic anemia is suspected) to rule out coexisting deficiency.

Doctor Notes

Always rule out Vitamin B12 deficiency before initiating high-dose folic acid therapy for megaloblastic anemia.
Advise pregnant women to start folic acid supplementation at least one month before conception and continue through the first trimester.

Patient Guidelines

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
Do not stop taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
Inform your doctor about all other medications and supplements you are taking.

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 catch up.

Driving Precautions

Folic acid is not known to impair the ability to drive or operate machinery.

Lifestyle Advice

Maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to support overall nutrient intake.
Avoid excessive alcohol consumption, as it can interfere with folate absorption.