Folic Acid is required for various metabolic processes including the synthesis of DNA and amino-acid conversions.
Deficiency can result in megaloblastic anaemia, pregnancy complications, and birth defects.
Indications
Folic acid is taken daily by patients who may require
supplementation due to increased utilization, especially
patients with sickle-cell anaemia, haemolytic anaemia, or
pregnancy-induced anaemia, or patients on renal dialysis.
Folic acid is also used in women of childbearing potential and pregnant women to protect against neural tube defects in their offspring.
Composition
Each tablet contains Folic Acid 5mg
Dosage
The usual dose is 5mg daily or as directed by a physician. Up to
15mg daily may be necessary in malabsorption states. For women
of childbearing potential, folic acid 5mg can be given daily,
starting before pregnancy and continued through the first
trimester.
Warnings and Precautions
Folic Acid should never be given alone for the treatment of
undiagnosed megaloblastic anaemia, since folic acid could mask
the symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency which can lead to serious
neurological damage. |