folic acid tablet uses

فولک ایسڈ کی گولی کا استعمال

Written by Dr. Qaisara Tehzeeb [PharmD, DOW University Of Health Sciences (DUHS)], Karachi, Pakistan.

BRAND NAME:

· FOLIC ACID

GENERIC NAME:

· Folic acid (Folate or Vitamin B9)

AVAILABLE DOSAGE FORM:

· Folic Acid tablet BP 5mg

PRICE:

· 92 rupees per bottle, which contains 100 tablets of folic acid.

THERAPEUTIC CLASS:

· Member of water-soluble Vitamin B Complex.

· Prenatal Vitamin.

PHARMACOLOGICAL CLASS:

· Essential cofactor and precursor for enzymes required for nucleoprotein synthesis and maintenance of erythropoiesis.

MANUFACTURER:

· ZAFA Pharmaceutical Laboratories (Pvt.) Limited.

PRESCRIPTION DRUG?

· YES

MECHANISM OF ACTION:

· Folate acts as a precursor in the synthesis of Tetrahydrofolate (active form of folate), a cofactor which helps to perform various biochemical reactions such as DNA and RNA synthesis and the production of red blood cells.

INDICATIONS:

· Prevent and treat folic acid deficiency.

· Megaloblastic Anemia

· Macrocytic Anemia

· Prevent complications and birth defects during pregnancy, such as Spina Bifida

and Anencephaly.

DOSE:

· For adults and children over 1 year ( 5mg tablet once a day)

· For children less than 1 year of age (500 mcg per kg of body weight daily)

SIDE EFFECTS:

· Nausea

· Bloating

· Loss of Appetite

· Rash

· Sleep Problems

CONTRAINDICATIONS:

· Folic acid is generally safe, but in rare cases, it can cause an allergic reaction in some people.

· Pernicious anemia and aplastic anemia

· Cancer (unless you have folate deficiency)

DRUG INTERACTIONS:

· Anticonvulsants (Phenytoin, fosphenytoin and Primidone)

· Barbiturates

· Methotrexate (folate antagonist)

· Pyrimethamine

· Do not take your folic acid within 2 hours before or after taking antacids containing Aluminium and Magnesium, as they may stop folic acid from being properly absorbed.

PREGNANCY:

· Used by pregnant women as a dietary supplement to prevent neural tube defects.

 LACTATION:

· Recommended for breastfeeding women.

STORAGE:

· Store at room temperature away from light, heat and moisture.

INSTRUCTIONS:

· Folic acid can be beneficial for both kidney and liver health.

· Folic acid should never be used to treat anemia without a full investigation of the cause.

COUNSELLING:

· Keep out of the reach of children.

· Swallow the whole tablet with a glass of water.

· You can take folic acid before or after the meal.