RiteMED Folic Acid

Each tablet contains: Folic Acid 5 mg.

Pharmacology: Pharmacokinetics: Folic acid is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, mainly from the duodenum and jejunum. The naturally occurring folate polyglutamates are largely deconjugated, and then reduced by dihydrofolate reductase in the intestines to form 5-methyltetrahydrofolate, which appears in the portal circulation largely unchanged, since it is a poor substrate for reduction by dihydrofolate reductase. It is converted to the metabolically active form 5-methyltetrahydrofolate in the plasma and liver.
The principal storage site of folate is the liver; it is also actively concentrated in the CSF.
Folate undergoes enterohepatic circulation. Folate metabolites are eliminated in the urine and folate in excess of body requirements is excreted unchanged in the urine. Folate is distributed into breast milk. Folic acid is removed by hemodialysis.

Folic acid is used in the treatment and prevention of the folate deficiency state. Folic acid is also used in women of child-bearing potential and pregnant women to protect against neutral tube defects in their offspring.
It is indicated for the treatment of megaloblastic anemia.

In treatment of folate deficiency megaloblastic anemia: Adults: given orally in doses of 5 mg daily for 4 months.
For children up to the age of 1 year: 500 micrograms/Kg once daily.
For prophylaxis of folate deficiency in children on dialysis: 1 month to 12 months of age: 250 micrograms/Kg once daily.
Children 1 year and above: 5 to 10 mg daily.
Prophylaxis of megaloblastic anemia of pregnancy: 200 to 500 micrograms daily.
Women of child-bearing potential: 400 micrograms daily.
Or, as prescribed by the physician.

It is contraindicated to patients who are sensitive to it.

Folic acid should not be given alone or in conjunction with inadequate amounts of hydroxocobalamin for the treatment of megaloblastic or pernicious anemia. Folic acid should not be given before a diagnosis has been fully established. Large and continuous dosage of folic acid may lower the blood concentration of Vitamin B₁₂. The availability of folates may be inhibited by gastric acidity and the presence of ascorbate in the gastrointestinal tract. Metformin reduces intestinal absorption of folic acid and phenytoin may cause folate depletion. Folic acid does not correct folate deficiency due to dihydrofolate reductase inhibitors.

Folic acid is well tolerated. However, allergic sensitization has been reported following oral administration.

Folate deficiency states may be produced by drugs such as antiepileptics, oral contraceptives, anti-tuberculosis drugs, alcohol, and folic acid antagonists such as methotrexate, pyrimethamine, triamterene, trimethoprim and sulfonamides. In some instances, such as during methotrexate or antiepileptics therapy, replacement therapy with folinic acid may become necessary in order to prevent megaloblastic anemia developing; folate supplementation has reportedly decreased serum-phenytoin concentrations in few cases and there is a possibility that such an effect could also occur with barbiturate-antiepileptics.

Store temperatures not exceeding 30°C.
Protect from light.

Vitamins & Minerals (Pre & Post Natal) / Antianemics

B03BB01 - folic acid ; Belongs to the class of folic acid and derivatives. Used in the treatment of anemia.

Non-Rx