Folic Acid Information - Drug Interactions, Uses and Benefits

Type of Drug:

Folate; folacin; pteroylglutamic acid.

How the Drug Works:

Folic acid stimulates the production of red and white blood cells and platelets (used in clotting). Folic acid acts on megalomaniac bone marrow to produce a normoblastic marrow.

Uses:

To treat anemia (low red blood cell count) caused by folic acid deficiency due to digestive disorders (eg, spruce), poor diet, pregnancy, infancy, or childhood. Folic acid is rarely taken alone.

Precautions:

Do not use in the following situations: Allergy to folic acid or any of its ingredients.

Use with caution in the following situations: alcoholism anemia due to vitamin B 12 deficiency epilepsy controlled with phenytoin, primidone, or phenobarbital non-folic acid deficiency anemia’s (eg, pernicious anemia)

Pregnancy: Folic acid is often prescribed during pregnancy and is safe when used as directed. Folic acid requirements are markedly increased during pregnancy, and deficiency will likely result in fetal damage.

Breastfeeding: Folic acid appears in breast milk. Usually, amounts present in breast milk are adequate to fulfill infant requirements, but the lactating mother may require folic acid supplementation. Consult your doctor before you begin breastfeeding.

Drug Interactions:

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or if you are planning to take any over-the-counter or prescription medications or dietary supplements with folic acid. Doses of one or both drugs may need to be modified or a different drug may need to be prescribed.

• Alcohol hydantoins (eg, phenytoin)
• Antimetabolites (eg, methotrexate)
• Primidone (eg, Mysoline)
• Nitrofurantoin (eg, Furadantin)

Side Effects:

Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Many folic acid users experience no, or minor, side effects. The frequency and severity of side effects depend on many factors including dose, duration of therapy, and individual susceptibility. Possible side effects include: Difficulty breathing; itching; skin redness or rash; general body discomfort; flushing.

In higher doses (15 mg/day), additional possible side effects include: Los, of appetite; nausea; stomach bloating or swelling; gas; bitter or bad taste, altered sleep patterns; difficulty in concentrating; irritability; over ­activity; excitement; depression; confusion; impaired judgment; decreased vitamin 8 12 levels (in patients receiving prolonged therapy).

Guidelines for Use:

• Take only when recommended by your doctor .
• Treatment of Anemia - Usual therapeutic (treatment) dose for anemia: Up to 1 mg daily. Usual maintenance dose once amenia has been corrected: Infants: 0.1 mg/day. Children under 4 years of age: Up to 0.3 mg/day. Adults and children over 4 years of age: 0.4 mg/day. Pregnant and breastfeeding women: 0.8 mg/day.
• In the presence of alcoholism, hemolytic anemia, anticonvulsant therapy, or chronic infection, the maintenance dose may need to be increased.
• Except during pregnancy and lactation, folic acid should not be given in doses greater than 0.4 mg/day until pernicious anemia has been ruled out.
• Oral administration is preferred. Intramuscular, intravenous, and subcutaneous routes may be used if the disease is severe, or if oral absorption is impaired.
• Store at room temperature (59 to 86°F). Protect from light and moisture.

Tagged under:Blood Modifiers, consult your doctor, drug interactions, folic acid deficiency, folic acid deficiency anemia, folic acid supplementation, furadantin, nitrofurantoin, pernicious anemia, phenobarbital, prescription medications, primidone, Uncategorized, vitamin b 12 vitamin b 12 deficiency