Folic Acid

Indication

It is indicated for folate-deficiency megaloblastic anaemia and in malabsorption states. Prophylatic administration of folic acid may be necessary in chronic haemolytic states such as thalassaemia major or sickle-cell anaemia, depending on the diet and rate of haemolysis and in some patients receivi...read more

Dosage and Administration

For Folate deficiency megaloblastic anaemia;

Adult and children over I year: 5 mg daily for 4 months; up to 15 mg daily may be required in malabsorption states.

Children under 1 year: 500 mcg/kg (Max.5mg) for up to 4 months; up to 10 mg daily may be required in malabsorption states.

For prophylaxis of folate deficiency in dialysis;

Adult: 5 mg every 1 - 7 days

Children 1 - 12 years: 200 mcg / kg (Max. 10 mg once daily)

Children 12 - 18 years: 5 - 10 mg once daily.

For prophylaxis of chronic haemolytic state; Adult: 5 mg every 1 - 7 days depending on underlying disease.

For proven folate deficiency:

0.25 - 1 mg daily until the haematopoietic response has been obtained; the daily maintenance dose is 0.4 mg daily.

In the prophylaxis of megaloblastic anaemia of pregnancy, the usual dose is 200 - 500 mcg daily.

Composition

Each tablet contains:

Folic Acid B.P ... 5 mg.

Description

Folic Acid is Vitamin 8, a member of the vitamin B group. Chemical name is (2S)-2-[[4-[[(2-Amino-4-oxo- 1,4-dihydropteridin-6-yl)methyl]amino] benzoyl]amino]pentanedioic acid. The molecular formula is C19H19N706. The molecular weight is 441.4.

Clinical Pharmacology

Folic Acid is a substrate for an important reaction that involves vitamin B12" The pathway leading to the forma­tion of tetrahydrofolate (THF) begins when folic acid (F) is reduced to dihydrofolate (DHF) which is then reduced to tetrahydrofolate (THF). Folic acid is necessary for the formation of a ...read more

Pharmacokinetics

Folic Acid is rapidly absorbed from the proximal part of small intestine and is distributed in body tissues. The naturally occurring folate polygluta­mates are largely deconjugated and reduced prior to absorption. It is the 5 methyltetrahydrofolate which appears in the portal circulation, where it i...read more

Contraindication

Pernicious, aplastic or normocytic anaemia.

Precaution

Folic acid should never be given alone for Addisonian pernicious anaemia and other vitamin B deficiency states (it may precipitate subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord.). Folic acid should never be given in conjunction with vitamin B for the tre­atment of undiagnosed megaloblastic anaem...read more

Dose>0.l mg/day may obsure pernicious anaemia with containing irreversible nerve damage progression.

Adverse Effect

Folic Acid is generally well tolerated. It rarely caus­ es gastrointestinal disturbances and hypersensitivity reaction.

Drug Interaction

In folate-deficient patients, folic acid therapy may increase phenytoin metabolism, leading to decrease in phenytoin effect.

Concurrent administration of chloramphenicol and folic acid may result in antagonism of the haemopoietic response of folic acid.

Aminosalicylates reduce absorption of folic acid. Folic acid reduces plasma concentration of pheno­ barbital and phenytoin.

Methotrexate decreases the effects of folic acid.

Storage

Store below 30°C in cool, dry place. Protect from light and moisture.

Keep out of reach and sight of children.

Presentation

10 x 100's Blisters, 100's Bottle.