Folic Acid
Also known as: Folacin, Vitamin B9
The vitamin derives its name from the Latin word folium, leaf. It stimulate the production of red blood cells (RBCs). Folic Acid is composed of a pteridine heterocycle, para aminobenzoic acid, and glutamic acid. Various forms of it are present in a variety of plant and animal tissues. It was first isolated from spinach leaves where Folic Acid is now known to occur in relatively minute amounts compared to other food sources. Folic Acid is found in wide variety of foods, with its highest content being found in yeast, liver, and green vegetables.
Primary Characteristics
Folic Acid is also known as Folacin, Vitamin B9.
It is of Synthetic origin and belongs to Glutamic Acid.
It belongs to Nutrients and Vitamins pharmacological group on the basis of mechanism of action. It is also classified under Hematological Agents .
Molecular Weight: 441.4 · pKa: 4.7, 6.8, 9 · Solubility in Water: < 1 in 100000 · Solubility in Alcohol: 1 in 10000 · Non-proprietary name: Folic Acid.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption: Folic Acid has an oral bioavailability is 75% (±5%).
Distribution: Folic Acid has a plasma protein binding is 70%.
Elimination: it is metabolised via Hepatic, plasma half-life is short, renal excretion is 70-80%.
Advertisement
Indications
Folic Acid is primarily indicated in conditions like Anaemia, Coeliac disease, Folate-deficient megaloblastic anaemia, For prophylaxis in chronic haemolytic states or in renal dialysis, For prophylaxis in pregnancy, Haemolytic anaemia, Megaloblastic anaemia, Myelofibrosis, To prevent 1st occurrence of neural tube defect, To prevent recurrence of neural tube defect, Vitamin deficiency.
Contraindications
None recorded.
Dosage
Folic Acid's dosage details are as follows:
| Dose | Single Dose | Frequency | Route | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Dosage | ||||
| 3 mg | 3 mg | Every 24h | IV | For 6 weeks. |
| 200 mcg | 200 mcg | Every 24h | IV | For prophylaxis in pregnancy. |
| 5 mg | 5 mg | Every 24h | PO | For 4 months, in folate deficient megaloblastic anemia b/c of poor nutrition, pregnancy, or antiepileptics. Maintenance dose is 5mg every 1-7 days depending on underlying disease. |
| 5 mg | 5 mg | Every 24h | PO | For 4 months, in folate deficient megaloblastic anemia b/c of poor nutrition, pregnancy, or antiepileptics. Maintenance dose is 5mg every 1-7 days depending on underlying disease. |
| 0.25 – 1 mg | — | Every 24h | PO,IV,IM | Initial dose, in folate deficient states. |
| 0.4 mg | 0.4 mg | Every 24h | PO,IV,IM | Maintenance dose, in folate deficient states. |
| Paediatric Dosage (20kg) | ||||
| 0.5 mg/kg | 0.5 mg/kg | Every 24h | Oral | |
| Neonatal Dosage (3kg) | ||||
| 0.5 mg/kg | 0.5 mg/kg | Every 24h | Oral | |
Drug Interactions
Always consult your physician for the change of dose regimen or an alternative drug of choice that may strictly be required.
Side Effects
Folic Acid in overdosage may give rise to further complications which include Malaise , Neuropathy , Bronchospasm , Itchy skin eruptions , Status epilepticus .
Folic Acid is known to cause more or less tolerable side effects which are usually transient. These include Anorexia , Erythema, Itching, Skin rash.
Warnings / Precautions
Available Brands
Click on a strength to view available brands.
Multi-Ingredient Combinations
Storage Conditions
Drug Classification
- 1.10.1 — Antianemia drugs
- 2.27 — Vitamins, minerals, tonics, and other susbstances
Manufacturers
Manufacturers of Folic Acid in Pakistan: