Folic Acid: Uses, Price, Dosage, Side Effects, Substitute, Buy Online

Folic Acid Information

Folic Acid is a prescription medicine. Megaloblastic Anemia, Nutritional Deficiency are some of its major therapeutic uses. Other than this, Folic Acid has some other therapeutic uses, which have been discussed ahead.

The right dosage of Folic Acid depends on the age, gender, and medical history of the patient. Individual symptoms and route of administration also determines the right dosage. This information has been provided in detail in the dosage section.

Some other side effects of Folic Acid have been listed ahead. Such side effects of Folic Acid normally do not last long and go away once the treatment is completed. Please speak with your doctor if these side effects worsen or persist for a longer duration.

Furthermore, you should know that effect of Folic Acid is Safe for pregnant women and Safe for women who are breastfeeding. It is important to know if Folic Acid has any effect on the kidney, liver and heart. Information on such adverse effects, if any, has been given in the Folic Acid related warnings section.

Folic Acid is not recommended if you suffer from certain medical conditions as it can have adverse effects. Drug Allergy are examples of such conditions. The section on Folic Acid contraindications lists all such conditions.

Drug interactions for Folic Acid have been reported in the medical literature. See below for a complete list.

Along with the above-mentioned precautions, remember that taking Folic Acid is considered safe while driving, and is addictive.

Folic Acid Benefits & Uses
Folic Acid Dosage & How to Take
Folic Acid Side Effects
Folic Acid Related Warnings
Severe Interaction of Folic Acid with Other Drugs
Folic Acid Contraindications
Frequently asked Questions about Folic Acid
Folic Acid Interactions with Food and Alcohol

Folic Acid Benefits & Uses

Folic Acid is used to treat the following -

Main Benefits

Other Benefits

Folic Acid Dosage & How to Take

This is the usual dosage recommended in most common treatment cases. Please remember that every patient and their case is different, so the dosage can be different based on the disease, route of administration, patient's age and medical history.

Find the right dosage based on disease and age

Age Group	Dosage
Adult	Disease: Megaloblastic Anemia Before or After Meal: Either Single Maximum Dose: 1 mg Dosage Form: Tablet Dosage Route: Oral Frequency: 1 daily Course Duration: As directed by the doctor Special Instructions: taken until a satisfactory hematologic response occurs
Geriatric	Disease: Megaloblastic Anemia Before or After Meal: Either Single Maximum Dose: 1 mg Dosage Form: Tablet Dosage Route: Oral Frequency: 1 daily Course Duration: As directed by the doctor Special Instructions: taken until a satisfactory hematologic response occurs
Infant (1 month to 2 years)	Disease: Megaloblastic Anemia Before or After Meal: Either Single Maximum Dose: 15 mcg/kg Dosage Form: Tablet Dosage Route: Oral Frequency: 1 daily Course Duration: As directed by the doctor Special Instructions: taken until a satisfactory hematologic response occurs
2 - 12 years (Child)	Disease: Megaloblastic Anemia Before or After Meal: Either Single Maximum Dose: 1 mg Dosage Form: Tablet Dosage Route: Oral Frequency: 1 daily Course Duration: As directed by the doctor Special Instructions: taken until a satisfactory hematologic response occurs
13 - 18 years (Adolescent)	Disease: Megaloblastic Anemia Before or After Meal: Either Single Maximum Dose: 1 mg Dosage Form: Tablet Dosage Route: Oral Frequency: 1 daily Course Duration: As directed by the doctor Special Instructions: taken until a satisfactory hematologic response occurs
Adult(Male)	Disease: Nutritional Deficiency Before or After Meal: Either Single Maximum Dose: 0.4 mg Dosage Form: Tablet Dosage Route: Oral Frequency: 1 daily Course Duration: As directed by the doctor Special Instructions: As prescribed by the doctor
Adult(Female)	Disease: Nutritional Deficiency Before or After Meal: Either Single Maximum Dose: 0.6 mg Dosage Form: Tablet Dosage Route: Oral Frequency: 1 daily Course Duration: As directed by the doctor Special Instructions: For pregnant women

Folic Acid Side Effects

Based on research, the following side effects have been observed when Folic Acid is used -

Severe

Anaphylactic reaction
Bronchospasm

Moderate

Confusion
Seizures (uncontrollable jerking of limbs)
Depression (Read More - From Meditation to Nutrition: Home Remedies for Easing Depression)
Erythema

Mild

Rash
Skin redness
Fever (Read More - Home remedies for fever)
Diarrhoea

Folic Acid Related Warnings

Is the use of Folic Acid safe for pregnant women?

Folic Acid is safe for pregnant women.

Safe
Is the use of Folic Acid safe during breastfeeding?

Folic Acid does not show any harmful effects in lactating women.

Safe
What is the effect of Folic Acid on the Kidneys?

Folic Acid is not harmful for kidneys.

Safe
What is the effect of Folic Acid on the Liver?

There are no any side effects of Folic Acid on the liver.

Safe
What is the effect of Folic Acid on the Heart?

Folic Acid is not harmful for the heart.

Safe

Severe Interaction of Folic Acid with Other Drugs

Folic Acid should not be taken with following medicines due to severe side effects it may cause to patients -

Moderate

Mild

Estradiol

Folic Acid Contraindications

If you are suffering from any of the following diseases, you should not take Folic Acid unless your doctor advises you to do so -

Pernicious Anemia
Kidney Disease
Drug Allergy

Frequently asked Questions about Folic Acid

Is this Folic Acid habit forming or addictive?

No, you will not get addicted to Folic Acid.

No
Is it safe to drive or operate heavy machinery when consuming?

Folic Acid does not cause dizziness or sleep, so you can drive a vehicle or operate machinery also.

Safe
Is it safe?

Yes, Folic Acid is safe but you must consult your doctor before taking it.

Safe, but take only on Doctor's advise
Is it able to treat mental disorders?

No, Folic Acid is not used to treat mental disorders.

No

Folic Acid Interactions with Food and Alcohol

Interaction between Food and Folic Acid

When consumed with certain foods, Folic Acid may take longer to have an effect. Contact your doctor about this.

Mild
Interaction between Alcohol and Folic Acid

It is difficult to say anything about the effect of Folic Acid and alcohol. No research has been done on this yet.

Unknown

Frequently asked Questions about Folic Acid

Question about 6 years ago

What are the natural resources of Folic acid?

Dr. Piyush Malav MBBS, MS , General Surgery

Some of the natural sources of Folate are green leafy vegetables, fruits, nuts, meat, eggs, yeast, liver, dairy products, beans, peas, seafood, yeast, grains, beef liver, and beef kidney. Many food items are fortified with Folic acid. Folic acid is required for the synthesis of genetic material and red blood cells. Its deficiency can cause megaloblastic anemia. It is also essential for pregnant women before and during the pregnancy. Deficiency of Folic acid during pregnancy can result in premature delivery and babies with the neural tube defects.

Question over 5 years ago

Can too much Folic Acid cause any unpleasant effects ?

Dr. Manju Shekhawat MBBS , General Physician

Long-term use of Folic Acid in doses 800 to 1200 micrograms can increase the risk of heart diseases, lung, and prostate cancer.

Question over 5 years ago

Is Folic Acid same as that of Iron?

Dr. R.K Singh MBBS , Diabetology

No, Folic Acid is a vitamin, whereas, Iron is a mineral. Many multivitamins and prenatal vitamins contain both these substances, as it is alright to take both of these substances together.

Question about 5 years ago

Does Folic Acid interact with any medicine?

Dr. Vedprakash Verma MBBS, MD , Cardiology

Yes, Folic Acid has reported interactions with medicines like fosphenytoin, methotrexate, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone, and pyrimethamine. Always check with a medical practitioner once before taking them together.

Question over 5 years ago

What are neural tube defects?

ravi udawat MBBS , General Physician

Neural tube defects are the serious congenital defects that manifest when the neural tube of a baby is not able to close properly in the early weeks of pregnancy. This can lead to spinal and brain defects.