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Medicine Highlights
| Uses | 1- To prevent neural tube defects during pregnancy 2- To treat folate deficiency anemia |
| Additional Information | Avoid taking caffeinated products with this medicine. |
| Storage | 1- The medicine should be stored in a cool and dry place 2- Keep away from sunlight and moisture 3- Store the medicine at a temperature below 25°C |
| How to Take This Medicine | The medicine should be taken orally |
Folic Acid Summary
Folic acid helps your body make red blood cells, supports DNA production, and boosts overall cell growth. It’s especially important for immunity, treating anemia, and during pregnancy. Take it as your doctor prescribes, and don’t stop without their advice. Be mindful of interactions with medications like phenytoin and methotrexate, and try to limit caffeine, as it can affect absorption. You can get folic acid naturally from leafy greens, legumes, and citrus fruits. Most adults need 400 mcg daily, with higher amounts for pregnant women. Side effects are uncommon but can include nausea, loss of appetite, or trouble sleeping. Store it in a cool, dry place, and always follow your doctor’s recommendations.
Folic Acid Uses
Folic acid tablets should be taken by patients with low immunity.
Directions for Use
- Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, regularly at the same time each day.
- Do not stop taking medication without your doctor’s approval, even if you feel better.
- If you forget to take the medicine, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for the next one, then just skip it.
How Folic Acid works
Folic AcidVitamin B9 is converted into its active forms, tetrahydrofolic acid (THF) and methyl tetrahydrofolate (MTHF), by enzymes in the body. These active forms help in the production of red blood cells, DNA, RNA, and proteins.
Interaction with Other Medicines
Avoid taking folic acid with the following medicines, as it may increase or decrease the desired effect, or in worse cases, it could be fatal: Fosphenytoin Phenytoin Primidone Barbiturates Methotrexate Pyrimethamine
Interactions with Food Product
Caffeine products should not be taken with this medicine, as it can either decrease or increase the effect of medicine.
Storage
- The medicine should be stored in cool and dry place
- Keep away from sunlight and moisture
- Store the medicine at a temperature below 25°C
Intake routine/cycle
📌 Daily dose
Take folic acid exactly as your doctor recommends. The dose may change based on your condition and how well you respond. Do not take more than prescribed without consulting your doctor.
📌 Missed dose
If you forget to take your medicine, take the medication soon as you remember. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Always consult the doctor before making any changes to your dosage.
Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA)
📌 Folic Acid
The recommended daily amount (RDA) of folic acid for most adults is 400 micrograms (mcg), with higher amounts for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Natural Source of Folic Acid
The following are the natural sources of folic acid listed in this medicine:
📌 Folic Acid
Found in legumes, eggs, green leafy vegetables, beetroot, citrus fruits, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, groundnuts, papaya, and bananas.
Side Effects
FAQ’s
1. Will folic acid cause constipation?
➡️ Folic acid does not cause constipation. If you experience constipation after taking this supplement, it is likely due to an underlying condition.
2. What does folic acid do to the body?
➡️ Folic acid is like fuel for your body – it helps make red blood cells, keeps your brain sharp, and supports cell growth.
3. How much folic acid is required during pregnancy?
➡️ A pregnant woman should take at least 600 mcg of folic acid per day.
4. How much folic acid should I take per day?
➡️ A healthy adult should consume 400 mcg of folic acid daily.
Reference
- Bredbury Medical Centre. Does folic acid cause constipation? [Internet]. Bredbury: Bredbury Medical Centre; [cited 2025 Mar 18]. Available from.
- Mayo Clinic. Folate (folic acid) [Internet]. Rochester (MN): Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; c2023 [cited 2025 Mar 18]. Available from.
- Merrell BJ, McMurry JP. Folic Acid. [Updated 2023 Aug 8]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from.
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Antenatal care for uncomplicated pregnancies [Internet]. London: NICE; 2008. Available from.
- De-Regil LM, Peña-Rosas JP, Fernández-Gaxiola AC, Rayco-Solon P. Folic acid supplementation for preventing neural tube defects. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015;(12):CD001058. Available from.
