Folic acid, also known as folate or Vitamin B9.Folic acid is indicated for the treatment of megaloblastic anaemia because of the folic acid deficiency. It is also used for prophylaxis in chronic haemolytic states, in renal dialysis, and in drug induced folate deficiency.Folic acid is used for the prevention of recurrence of neural tube defects.

Folic acid is a vitamin which we use to prevent or treat a deficiency of folic acid in the body. Folic Acid 5mg Tablets is used in the treatment and prevention of certain types of anaemia a low red blood cells. Adequate amounts of vitamin B12 need to be given along with folic acid. Folic acid Tablets can also be given to some women before and during pregnancy to prevent spina bifida an abnormality of the spine in babies, which can be caused by deficiency of this vitamin.

Indications:
Folic acid is used for the treatment of megaloblastic anaemia because of folic acid deficiency. It is also used for prophylaxis in chronic haemolytic states, in renal dialysis, and in drug induced folate deficiency.

Pharmacology:

Mechanism of action:
Folic acid, as it is biochemically inactive, is converted to tetrahydrofolic acid and methyltetrahydrofolate by dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR). These folic acid congeners are transported across cells by receptor-mediated endocytosis where they are needed to maintain normal erythropoiesis, synthesize purine and thymidylate nucleic acids, interconvert amino acids, methylate tRNA, and generate and use formate. Using vitamin B12 as a cofactor, folic acid can normalize high homocysteine levels by remethylation of homocysteine to methionine via methionine synthetase.

Pharmacodynamics:
Pharmacodynamics of folic acid is as follows ,the mucosa of the duodenum and upper part of the jejunum are rich in dihydrofolate reductase, where folates and folic acid are absorbed. Once it is absorbed, folic acid is rapidly reduced and then methylated to form tetrahydrofolic acid derivatives which are rapidly transported to the tissues.

Pharmacokinetics:
Folic acid is readily absorbed following oral dosage, and is extensively bound to plasma proteins.
Absorption: Folic acid is absorbed rapidly from the small intestine and primarily absorbed from the proximal portion. Naturally occurring folates are reduced enzymatically to folic acid in the gastrointestinal tract prior to absorption. Folic acid appears in the plasma approximately 15 to 30 minutes after an oral dose; peak levels are generally reached within 1 hour.
Distribution: Tetrahydrofolic acid derivatives are distributed to all body tissues but primarily stored in the liver.
Metabolism: Folic acid is metabolized in the liver into the cofactors dihydrofolate DHF and tetrahydrofolate THF , by the enzyme dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR).
Elimination: After a single oral dose of 100 mcg of folic acid in a limited number of normal adults, only a trace amount of the drug appeared in the urine. Approximately 50% of the dose appearing in the urine. After intake of single oral dose of 15 mg, up to 90% of the dose was recovered in the urine. A majority of the metabolic products appeared in the urine after 6 hours; excretion was generally completes within 24 hours. Small amounts of orally administered folic acid have also been recovered in the feces. In lactating mothers folic acid is also excreted in the milk .

Contraindications:
Hypersensitivity to the active substance.
Patients having malignant disease, unless megaloblastic anaemia due to folic acid deficiency.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding:If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or if you are breast feeding, then concern doctor for advice before taking any medicine.

Side Effects:
  • flushing
  • nausea, loss of appetite
  • bloating in stomach
  • bitter and unpleasant taste in your mouth
  • sleep problems
  • depression
  • feeling excited and irritated.

Warning and Precautions:
Concern your doctor before taking Folic Acid tablets if you:
  • have a folate dependent tumour
  • are pregnant
  • or if you have any disease that reduces the amount of vitamin B12 in the body