Folic Acid: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects & Brands | MedexInfo

Folic Acid

OTC / Rx

Generic NameFolic Acid

Therapeutic ClassVitamin (B9)

Max / 24h5 mg

Common Dose0.4–5 mg daily

PregnancySafe and recommended

Indications ▼

Prevention and treatment of folic acid deficiency

Megaloblastic anemia due to folate deficiency

Routine supplementation during pregnancy

Prevention of neural tube defects in fetus

Women planning pregnancy (preconception care)

Folate deficiency caused by malnutrition, alcoholism, malabsorption

Drug-induced folate deficiency (antiepileptics, methotrexate)

Adjunct therapy in hemolytic anemia

Hyperhomocysteinemia management

Mechanism & Pharmacokinetics ▼

Mechanism: Converted to tetrahydrofolate, essential for DNA synthesis, red blood cell formation, and amino acid metabolism.

Pharmacokinetics: Well absorbed orally in proximal small intestine; peak plasma level in 1–2 hours; stored mainly in liver; excreted in urine.

Dosage & Administration ▼

Condition	Dose	Frequency
Folate deficiency	5 mg	Once daily
Pregnancy (routine)	0.4–0.8 mg	Once daily
High-risk pregnancy	5 mg	Once daily
Megaloblastic anemia	5 mg	Daily for 4 months or as advised
Drug-induced deficiency	1–5 mg	Once daily

Note: Can be taken with or without food.

Side Effects ▼

Nausea, bloating

Loss of appetite

Headache

Rare: Allergic rash, itching

Long-term high dose may mask vitamin B12 deficiency

Contraindications ▼

Hypersensitivity to folic acid

Untreated vitamin B12 deficiency (pernicious anemia)

Drug Interaction ▼

Methotrexate: reduced therapeutic effect

Phenytoin, phenobarbital: reduced serum levels

Sulfasalazine: decreased absorption

Trimethoprim: antagonizes folate metabolism

Pregnancy & Lactation ▼

Pregnancy Category A

Strongly recommended before and during pregnancy

Safe during breastfeeding

Clinical / Research Summary ▼

Clinical Role: Essential vitamin for erythropoiesis and fetal neural development.

Effectiveness: Prevents megaloblastic anemia and neural tube defects.

Safety: Very safe when used at recommended doses.

Research Focus: Role in cardiovascular disease prevention and homocysteine reduction.

Patient Counseling Points ▼

Take regularly at the same time daily

Do not exceed prescribed dose

Inform doctor if taking antiepileptic drugs

Important before and during pregnancy

Storage & Handling ▼

Store below 30°C

Protect from moisture and light

Keep out of reach of children

Brand Names (Bangladesh & Global) ▼

Bangladesh:

Folison® 5 mg Folac® 5 mg Folate® 5 mg Folcid® 5 mg Folic Acid® 5 mg Folic-son® 5 mg Folicare® 2.5 mg/5 ml Folus® 5 mg Refolic® 5 mg Terovit® 5 mg B-9® Oral Solution 2.5 mg/5 ml

Global:

Folvite Nature Made Folic Acid

Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.

Reference Hubs:

• Drug Class: Vitamins • Conditions: Anemia • Conditions: Pregnancy Care