What is folic acid?
Folic acid is a form of B vitamin commonly found in foods such as dried beans, lentils, peas, oranges, and whole-wheat foods such as liver, asparagus, beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and spinach. Folic acid helps your body create and maintain new cells as well as prevent DNA changes that could result in cancer. Folic acid is a medication to treat folic acid deficiency and certain forms of anemia (lack of red blood cells) caused by folic acid deficiencies. Folic acid may be utilized alongside other medications to treat pernicious anemia. Folic acid alone can do nothing to address pernicious anemia or other anemias that aren't related to vitamin B12 deficiencies. All medications should be taken according to the directions.
Warnings
It is not recommended to use this medicine if you have ever experienced an allergic reaction to folic acid. Before you start taking folic acid, consult your physician whether you suffer from kidney disease (or if you're on dialysis) or an infection, in the case of an alcohol-related condition, or have any kind of anemia that hasn't been identified by a physician and confirmed through laboratory testing. Consult your physician about taking folic acid when you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Folic acid can be used together with other medicines to treat pernicious anemia. Follow all the instructions on your prescription label and in the package. Inform your healthcare professionals about your medical issues, allergies, and all medications you take.
Before you take this drug.
It is not recommended to take this medication if you've ever experienced an allergic reaction to folic acid. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to determine if this medication is safe to use if you have ever used:
- Epilepsy or any other seizures.
- Cirrhosis or another liver disease.
- Kidney disease (or if you're on dialysis).
- Hemolytic anemia.
- Pernicious anemia.
- Anemia that is not identified by a doctor and has not been confirmed by laboratory tests.
- An infection; an infection.
- Alcoholism.
Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or pregnant. The dosage requirements for you might differ during pregnancy or when you are nursing.
How to take folic acid?
Follow the exact dosage recommended by your physician. Don't consume it in greater amounts or for longer periods than prescribed. Follow the instructions on the label of your prescription. Folic acid oral is a drink taken orally. Folic acid injections are injected through a muscle, under the skin, or in a vein. The healthcare professional will give the injection. Drink folic acid tablets in an entire glass of drinking water. The doctor can change your dosage to ensure you receive the most effective results from this drug. Keep folic acid at cool, dry temperatures, free of heat and moisture.
Details on dosage
Usual Adult Dose for Megaloblastic Anemia:
1 mg taken orally, either intramuscularly, subcutaneously, or intravenously, every day. This may continue until symptoms of folate deficiency as well as the hematological profiles have been normalized.
Usual Adult Dose for Folic Acid Deficiency:
400–800 mcg taken as a subcutaneous injection, intramuscularly, or intravenously once per day.
Women who are childbearing, lactating, or pregnant: 800 mg in a subcutaneous injection, intramuscularly, or IV every day.
Usual Pediatric Dose for Folic Acid Deficiency:
Infant: 0.1 mg taken orally, intramuscularly, subcutaneously, or IV once daily.
Child: Initial dosage: 1 mg taken orally, subcutaneously, intramuscularly, or every day.
Maintenance dose: From 1 to 10 years old: 0.1 to 0.4 mg either orally, intramuscularly, or intravenously once per day.
Over 10 years of age: 0.5 mg orally, intramuscularly, subcutaneously, or IV once every day.
What happens if I miss a dose?
You should take the medication as quickly as you are able, but do not take any missed doses if you are close to the time of the next dose. Don't take two doses at once.
What happens if I overdose?
For medical emergencies, seek emergency medical attention or contact the Poison Help line toll-free at 1-800-222-1222.
What should be avoided?
Follow the instructions of your physician regarding any limitations on foods, drinks, or any activity.
Side effects of Folic acid
See a doctor immediately. If you exhibit symptoms that indicate that you are experiencing an allergic reaction to folic acid, such as hives and itching skin, redness, wheezing, difficulty breathing, and swelling of your lips, face, and tongue Common side effects of folic acid could be:
- Nausea or hunger loss.
- The bloating stomach pain, gas.
- A bitter or unpleasant taste that comes from your mouth.
- Confusion, trouble concentrating.
- Sleep problems.
- Depression.
- Being irritable or excited.
This isn't a complete list of all the side effects. Other side effects could be experienced. Consult your physician to seek medical advice on the effects. You may report any adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Interaction with other drugs
Consult a physician or pharmacist before using folic acid in conjunction with any other medication, particularly:
- Methotrexate.
- Nitrofurantoin.
- Pyrimethamine.
- Tetracycline.
- An atypical barbiturate like phenobarbital and secobarbital.
- Seizure medication like phenytoin and primidone.
This list isn't complete. Other medications can interact with folic acid, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Some interactions with drugs are not listed here. are listed here.
