FOLIC ACID

INDICATIONS


Megaloblastic anemia, neural tube defect prevention, prophylaxis in chronic hemolytic status, prophylaxis of folate deficiency in dialysis patients.


SIDE EFFECTS


Gastrointestinal disorders (rare)
Caution: should not be given a single in pernicious anemia and other symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency.


DOSE


Megaloblastic anemia:


- Adults and children> 1 yr: 5 mg daily for 4 months (in pregnant women, until just months). In the case of absorption disorders, can inaikkan dose to 15 mg per day; maintenance dose of 5 mg every 1-7 days.
- Children <1 yr: 500 micrograms / kg per day for 4 months; maintenance dose of 500 micrograms / kg per day every 1-7 days


Prevention of neural tube defects, administered before and during pregnancy:


- Low risk: 400 micrograms per day until 12 weeks gestation.
- High risk (family history, never have children with neural tube defects, maternal history of diabetes mellitus, sickle cell anemia in the mother): 5 mg per day up to 12 weeks of gestation.


Prophylaxis in chronic hemolytic status:


Adult, per oral, 5 mg every 1-7 days depending on the underlying disease.


Prophylaxis of folate deficiency in dialysis patients:


Adults, by mouth: 5 mg every 1-7 days
Children 1-12 years: 250 micrograms / kg (max 10 mg) 1x a day
Children 12-18 years: 5-10 mg 1x a day.


SPECIMENS


Tablets 400 micrograms, syrup 2.5 mg / 5 ml and 400 micrograms / 5 ml, injection 15 mg in 1 ml ampoule.


DRUG INTERACTION


Reduced folate absorption by sulfasalazine.
Levels of phenytoin, primidone, and phenobarbital in plasma is reduced by folic acid