Folic Acid

Folic Acid Drug Information

• Folic Acid Overview

  Folic acid is the man-made form of folate. Folate is a B-vitamin naturally found in some foods. It is needed to form healthy cells, especially red blood cells. Folic acid supplements may come in different forms (such as L-methylfolate, levomefolate, methyltetrahydrofolate). They are used to treat or prevent low folate levels. Low folate levels can lead to certain types of anemia. Conditions that can cause low folate levels include poor diet, pregnancy, alcoholism, liver disease, certain stomach/intestinal problems, kidney dialysis, among others. Women of childbearing age should receive adequate amounts of folic acid either through their diet or supplements to prevent infant spinal cord birth defects.

• How to Use Folic Acid

  Take Folic Acid by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. If you are taking the over-the-counter product, follow all directions on the product package. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Dosage of Folic Acid is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose or take Folic Acid more often than directed. Take Folic Acid regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. Follow the diet plan recommended by your doctor or dietician. See also Notes section. If your condition persists or worsens, or if you think you may have a serious medical problem, get medical help right away.

• Folic Acid Precautions

  Before taking Folic Acid, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. Folic Acid may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using Folic Acid, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history,vitamin B-12 deficiency (pernicious anemia). Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Folic acid is safe to take during pregnancy when used as directed. It is included in prenatal vitamin products. Certain spinal cord birth defects may be prevented by taking adequate amounts of folic acid during pregnancy. Consult your doctor for more details. Folic acid passes into breast milk but is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

• Folic Acid Misdose

  If you miss a dose of Folic Acid, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

• Folic Acid Interactions

  Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

• Folic Acid Side Effects

  What are Folic Acid side effects?

  Side effects are physical, mental or emotional symptoms which occur in addition to or outside of the desired effect of a therapeutic treatment such as an over-the-counter or prescribed drug or medication. Side effects from Folic Acid may occur at the beginning or at the end of treatment and may also depend on the length of time an individual remains on the treatment. Side effects, also known as adverse effects, are generally more likely to occur when starting treatment. Individuals may also experience side effects from Folic Acid as a result of an interaction with other medications.

  Side Effects of Folic Acid

  The side effects of Folic Acid may vary in number and intensity for many different reasons. Factors such as age, weight, gender and ethnicity may influence the side effects of Folic Acid. Also, an individual’s state of general physical health and seriousness of the disease or illness as well as an increase or decrease in dosage may lead to side effects. Further, side effects from Folic Acid may also occur as a result of an interaction with certain herbal supplements, foods or drinks.

  Prescription drug side effects can be serious and may cause patients to stop the treatment. However, when side effects from the use of a prescription drug, such as Folic Acid, do occur a patient should consult their physician. A physician may prescribe an additional treatment in order to control the symptoms or an adjustment in the dosage may be made. In addition, changes to diet, exercise or other lifestyle activities may help to lessen the side effects of Folic Acid.

  By understanding side effects and the factors which may influence the occurrence of side effects patients are empowered to take an active role in their care. Patients who have specific questions about the side effects of Folic Acid, or any other medication, should contact their physician. General information about Folic Acid and the side effects associated with Folic Acid are described in the following:

  Common Folic Acid Side Effects

  Severe

  Less Severe

  Less Frequent Folic Acid Side Effects

  Severe

  Less Severe

  Rare or Very Rare Folic Acid Side Effects

  Severe

  • bronchospastic pulmonary disease
  • concentration difficulty

  Less Severe

  • erythema
  • pruritus of skin
  • skin rash
  • malaise
  • anorexia
  • nausea
  • abdominal distension
  • flatulence
  • dysgeusia
  • sleep disorder
  • irritability
  • excitement
  • depression
  • acute confusion

• Folic Acid Storage

  Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard Folic Acid when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.