Folic Acid 5 mg is a Product of the Generic Folic Acid

What Is Folic Acid 5 mg Indications and Uses?

Folic acid is indicated for the treatment of-

Folic acid deficiency
Megaloblastic anemia
Anemias of nutritional origins, pregnancy, infancy, or childhood.

Pharmacology (Source, Chemical and Physical Composition) Of Folic Acid 5 mg

Folic acid, as it is biochemically inactive, is converted to tetrahydrofolic acid and methyltetrahydrofolate by dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR). These folic acid congeners are transported across cells by receptor-mediated endocytosis where they are needed to maintain normal erythropoiesis, synthesize purine and thymidylate nucleic acids, interconvert amino acids, methylate tRNA, and generate and use formate. Using vitamin B12 as a cofactor, folic acid can normalize high homocysteine levels by remethylation of homocysteine to methionine via methionine synthetase.

Dosage And Administration of Folic Acid 5 mg

Adults-

Initially: 5 mg daily for 4 months.
maintenance: 5 mg every 1-7 days depending on the underlying disease.

Children-

Up to 1 year: 500 mcg/kg daily.
Over 1 year: Same as adult dose.

Drug Interactions of Folic Acid 5 mg

None has been reported.

Side Effects of Folic Acid 5 mg

Folic acid is generally well tolerated. Gastro-intestinal disturbances may occur. Hypersensitivity reactions have been reported rarely.

Use During Pregnancy and Lactation

No special precautions are known.

Precautions And Warnings for Folic Acid 5 mg

It should be used with caution in patients who may have folate dependent tumours. It should never be given alone or in conjunction with inadequate amounts of vitamin B12 for the treatment of undiagnosed megaloblastic anaemia. Although folic acid may produce a haematopoietic response in patients with a megaloblastic anaemia due to vitamin B12 deficiency it should not be given alone in vitamin B12 deficiency states as it may precipitate the onset of subacute combined degeneration of the cord. In elderly people a cobalamin absorption test should be done before long term folate. No harmful results found from short courses of folate.

Therapeutic Class

Drugs for Megaloblastic Anemia, Vitamin-B preparations

Storage Conditions of It

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light. Keep out of the reach of children.