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Folic acid is a type of Vitamin B that helps the body to produce red blood cells. Lack of folic acid (or folate, a vitamin naturally found in some foods) may result in folate-deficiency anemia, a condition in which there is not enough healthy red blood cells to provide oxygen to the body.Folic acid is also important in pregnancy, especially during the early stages, to reduce the risk of birth defects (e.g. abnormal brain and spinal cord development of the baby).Additional amount of folic acid may be required in those with certain conditions (e.g. kidney disease, alcoholism) or taking certain drugs (e.g. methotrexate).
Folic acid is a type of Vitamin B that helps the body to produce red blood cells. Lack of folic acid (or folate, a vitamin naturally found in some foods) may result in folate-deficiency anemia, a condition in which there is not enough healthy red blood cells to provide oxygen to the body.
Folic acid is also important in pregnancy, especially during the early stages, to reduce the risk of birth defects (e.g. abnormal brain and spinal cord development of the baby).
Additional amount of folic acid may be required in those with certain conditions (e.g. kidney disease, alcoholism) or taking certain drugs (e.g. methotrexate).
Folic acid is not known to cause any severe side effects.
Stop the medication and inform your doctor immediately if you experience any allergic reactions (e.g. rash, swelling of the eyes and lips, difficulty breathing).
Folic acid is usually taken once every day or every other day (alternate days), as determined by your doctor.
Because birth defects form so early, it is advisable for women to start consuming folic acid when trying to conceive and throughout pregnancy.
It may be taken with or without food.
Folic acid comes in both tablet and liquid forms, to be taken orally.
The liquid form is specially prepared by the pharmacy, and is generally prescribed for newborn babies and infants.
For older children and adults, the tablet form is used. However, for those who are unable to swallow, the tablet may be crushed and mixed with small amounts of food or liquid for consumption.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one.
For the tablets, keep away from children, store in a cool, dry place (room temperature), away from sunlight.
For the liquid form, keep away from children, store in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.
Do not stop taking the medication unless instructed by your doctor.
Diet changes may help to boost your folate level in the body, such as eating more green, leafy vegetables and citrus fruits.
For anemia, folic acid alone may be insufficient to treat anemia i.e. another type of Vitamin B and iron supplementation may also be required – consult your doctor.
Updated on Tuesday, December 31, 2019
This article is contributed by PSS National Medication Information Workgroup PSS National Medication Information Workgroup
