FOLIC ACID
About FOLIC ACID
FOLIC ACID belongs to a class of medications called 'vitamins' used to treat or prevent anaemia (lack of blood) caused due to deficiency of folic acid, anaemia in pregnancy, anaemia due to damaged red blood cells, anaemia in kidney dialysis patients and anaemia that occurs as a side effect of certain medicines. FOLIC ACID may be used in women before and during pregnancy to prevent spina bifida (abnormality of the spine) in babies. Anaemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough red blood cells to carry the adequate oxygen required to various body tissues.
The FOLIC ACID contains Folic acid (a form of vitamin B9) that increases healthy red blood cell (RBC) production in the body that carries oxygen throughout the body. As a result, an adequate amount of haemoglobin (Hb) is produced in the body so that body's each tissue gets a sufficient supply of oxygen.
Take FOLIC ACID as recommended by your doctor. You may experience nausea, black stool, constipation, loss of appetite, bloating or flatulence (gas) in some cases. Most of these side effects of FOLIC ACID do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
If you are allergic to FOLIC ACID or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult a doctor before using FOLIC ACID. FOLIC ACID should be used with caution in children and only if recommended by a doctor. If you have an allergy to any sugars, inform your doctor before taking FOLIC ACID as it may contain lactose. If you have a stomach ulcer, vitamin B12 deficiency, any blood disorder, repeated blood transfusions, ulcerative colitis (inflammation of the colon), pernicious anaemia (anaemia due to lack of vitamin B12) or folate-dependent tumour, inform your doctor before taking FOLIC ACID.
Uses of FOLIC ACID
Medicinal Benefits
The FOLIC ACID contains Folic acid (a form of vitamin B9) that increases red blood cells (RBC) production in the body that carries oxygen around the body. As a result, an adequate number of RBCs is produced in the body, so that body's each tissue gets a sufficient supply of oxygen. Also, folic acid is necessary for pregnancy as it plays a role in developing the brain and spinal cord in the unborn baby. Additionally, FOLIC ACID may be used to decrease the adverse effects of methotrexate (a drug used to treat severe arthritis, psoriasis, or Crohn’s disease).
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of FOLIC ACID
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Bloating
- Flatulence (gas)
- Bitter or unpleasant taste in your mouth
- Feeling excited or irritable
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Anemia: It is a condition in which the body does not have enough red blood cells for carrying adequate oxygen to various body tissues. Anemia can be temporary, which can be treated with the help of supplements, and it can also be long-term, which might require medical procedures. It makes you feel tired very quickly due to a lack of oxygen supply in the body. It is one of the most common blood disorders.
Folate deficiency: The deficiency of folic acid in the body is known as folate deficiency. It generally occurs when your diet does not have sufficient food that has more folic acid (citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables). Folate deficiency, if left untreated, can lead to anemia.
FAQs
FOLIC ACID contains Folic acid (a form of vitamin B9) that works by increasing red blood cells (RBC) production in the body that carries oxygen around the body. As a result, an adequate number of RBCs is produced in the body, so that body's each tissue gets a sufficient supply of oxygen.
FOLIC ACID may cause bloating as a mild and temporary side effect. You are advised to eat and drink slowly, eat smaller and more frequent meals, and exercise regularly to avoid bloating. However, if the condition persists or worsens, please consult a doctor.
You are not recommended to take FOLIC ACID with phenytoin as co-administration of these two medicines may reduce the levels of FOLIC ACID in blood and increase the risk of seizures (fits). However, if you are supposed to use these medicines together, please consult a doctor so that the dose may be adjusted appropriately to use safely.
FOLIC ACID should be used with caution and in doses as advised by a doctor in dialysis patients or end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or kidney failure. However, it is advised to inform your doctor if you are undergoing dialysis before taking FOLIC ACID.
FOLIC ACID is recommended during pregnancy to maintain correct levels of folic acid and reduce the risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida (abnormality of the spine) in babies, usually caused due to folic acid deficiency. FOLIC ACID helps in the development of the brain and spinal cord in the unborn baby. However, please consult a doctor if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy before using FOLIC ACID.
