Description
Generic Name: folic acid, folate
Drug Class: water-soluble vitamins
Folic Acid Indications
Folic Acid is an oral supplement used to treat and prevent folate deficiency. It is also used to treat certain types of anemia, including folate deficiency anemia. This is also prescribed, together with other medications, to treat pernicious anemia and megaloblastic anemia. It can prevent changes to DNA which could lead to cancer. Additionally, it can also prevent pregnancy complications, such as neural tube defects in babies.
Folic Acid Dosage Forms
This is available in Folic Acid 5 mg tablets.
Folic Acid Mechanism of Action
This supplement is a synthetic form of vitamin B9, which can be absorbed immediately in the small intestine. This vitamin is needed for normal erythropoiesis, in synthesizing purine and thymidylate nucleic acids, interconverting amino acids, and generating and using formate. If used with vitamin B12 or cobalamin, it can also normalize high homocysteine levels.
How to Take Folic Acid
Before starting your Folic acid treatment, it is necessary to read the information leaflet or medication guide given by a healthcare professional. You should not take any medication unless you have understood the uses and directions. For further medical advice or additional details, check with your doctor.
This supplement is only meant to be taken by mouth. This is usually prescribed once a day or as directed by the doctor. You may take this oral medication with or without a meal. Swallow the oral tablet and drink fluids right after.
Make a dosing schedule. Do not increase or decrease your Folic acid dosage as it depends on your age, overall medical condition, and response to the supplement. You should not also take this oral drug more frequently than advised. Further, never stop taking it abruptly. Keep taking it for as long as the physician prescribes.
Folic Acid Side Effects
Mild & Common Side Effects:
-
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Stomach upset
- Diarrhea
Severe Side Effects:
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- Confusion
- Irritability
- Behavior changes
- Seizures
- Feeling unwell
- Body malaise
- Chest pain
- Breathing difficulty
Note that this is not a full/complete list of the side effects of Folic Acid.
If you experience severe or persistent adverse reactions while taking Folic Acid, discontinue use and talk to your doctor or health care professional.
Folic Acid Warnings and Precautions
Do not take this prescription drug if you have a known allergy to folate or any of this supplement’s ingredients the tablet may contain. Watch for any signs of serious allergic reactions and if any of these occur, seek emergency medical help immediately:
-
- trouble breathing
- swelling of the face and neck
- severe dizziness
- swollen lymph nodes
- hives/itchiness
- and skin rashes
This medication may be contraindicated for people with a history of alcohol abuse, seizure, infection, undiagnosed anemia, liver problems, kidney problems, and kidney dialysis. Discuss with your doctor all the prescription, nonprescription, supplements, and herbal products you are taking for any possible drug interactions.
Dizziness is a common adverse effect of this medication. Practice caution when doing tasks that require alertness, especially driving. You must also limit your consumption of alcoholic drinks.
It is safe for pregnant women to take this oral medication as increased use of folate in pregnancy can prevent fetal damage and megaloblastic anemia. For breastfeeding moms, this drug can pass into the breastmilk.
How much does Folic Acid cost in Canada?
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Folic Acid used for?
Folic Acid is a form of supplement used for folic acid deficiency. It is also used with other medications to treat various types of anemia. In addition, pregnant women are advised to take this drug to prevent birth defects.
When should I take Folic Acid?
It is best to take this supplement based on a dosing schedule. You may take it in the morning or night, depending on your preference. There is no specified time for administering this food supplement. You may also take it with food or on an empty stomach.
How quickly does Folic Acid work?
This supplement usually begins to work within a few hours. If you’re taking it to treat folate deficiency anemia, it may take a few weeks before you feel better.
Can Folic Acid treat sprue?
Tropical sprue is a chronic diarrheal disease with an unknown cause. Because it is characterized by poor absorption of food and malabsorption of nutrients, it is necessary to take supplements like folic acid. Even so, this supplement alone cannot cure sprue.
Is Folic Acid good for coeliac disease?
Most patients with celiac disease also have micronutrient deficiencies, not because of poor diet but due to the inability to take in nutrients because of damage to the gut. This is why they are often advised to take supplements containing iron, vitamin B6, vitamin B9, vitamin B12, and zinc, among others.
Is Folic Acid good for menstruation?
According to clinical trials, this vitamin can improve follicular development and promote hormonal balance, which would lead to enhanced menstrual cycle function. This is also given prior to conception and may be prescribed to men for sperm count improvement.
Can Folic acid deficiency cause hemolytic anemia?
Folate deficiency is usually linked to macrocytic anemia. Although it is rare, there are also some cases where folate deficiency can also lead to long-term red blood cell damage. It is necessary to diagnose the exact type of anemia in order to identify the possible causes.
Does Folic Acid make you gain weight?
It is not proven that people with adequate folic acid levels will gain weight if they take supplements. A folate deficiency, however, can cause weight loss.
Can you buy Folic Acid over the counter?
This oral product is a prescription drug so you must obtain a prescription from your doctor before purchasing from any pharmacy. Do not use this medication unless prescribed.
Can I buy Folic Acid online?
You have different options where to buy Folic Acid and one is buying it from our online platform. You can buy this at an affordable price compared to other pharmacies.