Properties
What is it?
International Nonproprietary Name (Active Substance): folic acid Clinical-Pharmacological Group: Vitamins, multivitamins, microelements → Vitamin complexes → Water-soluble vitamin complexes Pharmacological Properties Vitamin, from the B vitamin group. In the body, folic acid is converted to tetrahydrofolic acid, which is essentially a coenzyme and is involved in a number of metabolic processes. In particular, its participation in the maturation of megaloblasts and the formation of normoblasts is essential for stimulating erythropoiesis; it participates in the synthesis of amino acids (including methionine and serine), as well as the synthesis of nucleic acids, purines, and pyrimidines, and in choline metabolism. In pregnant women, it protects the body from teratogenic factors. Pharmacokinetics Well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, metabolized in the liver and other tissues, excreted in bile and urine. Indications Macrocytic hyperchromic anemia caused by folic acid deficiency. Combined therapy for a number of pathological conditions, such as: Anemia and leukopenia caused by medications and radioactive (ionizing) radiation; Sprue; Chronic gastroenteritis; Intestinal tuberculosis; Prevention of folic acid deficiency in the body (including during pregnancy and lactation). Dosage Regimen For therapeutic purposes, adults are prescribed 5 mg per day: children - in reduced doses according to age. The course of treatment is 20-30 days. For the prevention of folic acid deficiency, 20-50 mcg per day are taken. During pregnancy - 400 mcg per day, during lactation - 300 mcg/day. Side Effects Allergic reactions: rash, itching. Contraindications Hypersensitivity to folic acid. Pregnancy and Lactation Taking folic acid at recommended doses is permitted during both pregnancy and lactation (breastfeeding). Special Instructions ♦ In pernicious anemia, folic acid is taken only with cyanocobalamin, as despite stimulating hemopoiesis, folic acid cannot counteract neurological complications (including funicular myelosis). ♦ Prolonged intake of folic acid (especially in high doses) is risky due to the expected decrease in cyanocobalamin concentration in the blood. Interactions with Other Drugs - When taken simultaneously with chloramphenicol, neomycin, polymyxins, tetracyclines, the absorption of folic acid will be reduced. - In turn, the effectiveness of phenytoin, primidone, PAS, sulfasalazine, systemic hormonal contraceptives, and chloramphenicol is reduced when taken simultaneously with folic acid. - The metabolism of phenytoin is enhanced under the influence of folic acid.