Folic Acid is a form of vitamin B, which is important for many metabolic processes such as the synthesis of DNA. Deficiency may occur due to malnutrition, malabsorption, pregnancy, excessive loss of Folic Acid, or as a result of the use of drugs that interfere with Folic Acid. Folic Acid can be used in the treatment and prevention of the above conditions to increase Folic Acid levels. Other uses of Folic Acid include folate-deficient megaloblastic anemia, prevention of neural tube defects, and prevention of Methotrexate (a medicine that reduces Folic Acid level) side effects.
For folate-deficient megaloblastic anemia
Oral
Adult / Child 1-17 years
1 to 5 mg daily; For people with malabsorption, doses up to 15 mg daily may be required
For prevention of neural tube defects (in those at a low risk of conceiving a child with a neural tube defect)
Oral
Females of childbearing potential
400 or 800 micrograms (0.4 or 0.8 mg) daily, to be taken before conception and until week 12 of pregnancy
For prevention of neural tube defects (in those in the high-risk group who wish to become pregnant or who are at risk of becoming pregnant)
Oral
Females of childbearing potential
5 mg daily before conception and until week 12 of pregnancy
For prevention of methotrexate-induced side-effects
Oral
Adult
1 to 5 mg once daily. Sometimes your doctor will advise you to skip your Folic Acid on the day of your methotrexate dose.
Folic Acid is safe to use but flushing, nausea, abdominal distension, and flatulence, may occasionally occur.
Common dosing schedule:
Folic Acid can be taken with or without food.
This schedule is for reference only, adjustments may be made according to individual needs.
Some common medications Folic Acid may interact with:
Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.
In Hong Kong, Folic Acid is an over-the-counter medicine which can be purchased without a prescription from any retail outlet in Hong Kong. This includes grocery stores, convenience stores, medicine shops, and pharmacies. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.
For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk
Need more information?
For detailed information about the use of Folic Acid in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.
Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.
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