Indications

– Folic acid is used in the treatment and prophylaxis of the folate deficiency state (it does not correct folate deficiency due to dihydrofolate reductase inhibitors).
– Dietary folate deficiency, megaloblastic anemia due to folate deficiency (malabsorption, prolonged diarrhea).
– Folate supplementation in pregnant women (especially in those receiving antimalarial or antituberculosis treatment).
– Folate supplementation in patients receiving:
+ Antifolates (methotrexate).
+ Antiepileptics (hydantoin– derivatives).
+ Agents for hemolytic anemia.

Present

Blister of 10 tablets. Box of 10 blisters.

Composition

Folic acid ……………………………………………………………..5mg
Excipients s.q. for…………………………………………….. 1 tablet
(Microcrystalline cellulose, lactose, povidone, magnesium stearate).

Actions

– Folic acid is water– soluble B complex vitamin.
– In man, an exogenous source of folic acid is required for nucleoprotein synthesis and the maintenance of normal erythropoiesis.

Contra-Indications

– Hypersensitivity to any ingredient of the medicine.
– Do not use folic acid alone or in combination with vitamin B12 in insufficient therapeutic amount, and in patients with undiagnosed anemia.
– Not indicated for pernicious anemia and other megaloblastic anemia due to vitamin B12 deficiency.

Side effect

– There may be GI disturbances, pruritus, rash, urticaria.
– Inform your doctor about side– effects when using this medicine.

Precaution

Caution should be exercised in patients with suspected folate dependent tumors.
EFFECT OF THE DRUG TO DRIVER OR OPERATORS OF MACHINERY:
There is no report of the adverse effect of the drug on ability to drive or operate machinery.
PREGNANCY & LACTATION:
– Pregnant women should be supplemented with folate (especially those receiving antiepileptic or antimalarial treatment).
– Folic acid is secreted into breast milk, nursing women may take the drug while breastfeed their infants.

Interaction

– Sulphasalazine may decrease absorption of folic acid.
– Oral contraceptives may reduce folic acid metabolism.
– Antiepileptic drug concentrations in the serum may be reduced if they are administered concomitantly with folic acid in order to make up for folate deficiency caused by the former.
– Cotrimoxazole may reduce efficacy of folic acid in treatment of megaloblastic anemia.
– Inform your doctor about other drugs you are taking to avoid possible interactions.
OVERDOSAGE & MANAGEMENT:
Should overdosage occur, turn to the nearest healthcare facility for medical attention of the healthcare professionals.

Shelf life

24 months from the manufacturing date.

Storage

Store in a dry place, protect from light, not exceeding 30^oC.

Dosage

– For folate– deficient megaloblastic anemia:
+ Initial doses: take orally 5mg daily for 4 months, up to 15mg daily may be necessary in malabsorption state.
+ Maintenance doses: 5mg once every 1 – 7 days depending on patient’s conditions.
– Pregnant women and those plan to become pregnant: 5mg once daily initiated before pregnancy and continued for 3 months after conception.