Folic Acid Tablet 5 mg

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Description

Folic Acid Tablet 5 mg is an oral medication containing a higher dose of folic acid, the synthetic form of folate (Vitamin B9). Folic acid is a water-soluble B vitamin essential for DNA synthesis, cell division, and the maturation of red blood cells. The 5 mg strength is typically used for the treatment of more severe folate deficiencies, and specifically for women with certain risk factors to prevent neural tube defects (NTDs) in their offspring.

Advantages

• Effective for Significant Deficiency: Provides a potent dose to rapidly correct more severe cases of folate deficiency and associated megaloblastic anemia.
• Critical for High-Risk Pregnancies: Essential for women with a history of neural tube defects or other high-risk factors to dramatically reduce recurrence risk.
• Supports Rapid Cell Turnover: Crucial for conditions involving high cell turnover (e.g., certain blood disorders, chronic inflammatory conditions) or in patients on medications that deplete folate.
• Versatile Use: Used for both therapeutic correction of deficiency and high-risk prophylaxis.
• Well-Tolerated: Generally safe, even at this higher dose, with a low incidence of side effects.
• Oral Convenience: Easy to administer in tablet form.

Uses

Folic Acid Tablet 5 mg is primarily used for:

• Treatment of Folate Deficiency Anemia: To rapidly replenish low folate levels and treat clinically evident megaloblastic or macrocytic anemia caused by folate deficiency.
• Prevention of Neural Tube Defects (NTDs) in High-Risk Pregnancies: This is a major indication. It is prescribed for women who:
  • Have a history of a previous pregnancy affected by an NTD.
  • Are taking anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) that interfere with folate metabolism (e.g., phenytoin, carbamazepine, valproate).
  • Have diabetes (pre-gestational).
  • Are obese.
  • Have celiac disease or other malabsorption disorders.
  • Have sickle cell disease or thalassemia.
  • Are on certain other medications like methotrexate (for conditions like psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis).
• Supplementation in Conditions with High Folate Requirements or Malabsorption:
  • Chronic hemolytic anemias (e.g., sickle cell anemia, thalassemia).
  • Patients undergoing long-term dialysis.
  • Patients with extensive exfoliative skin diseases.
  • Chronic alcoholics (due to impaired folate absorption and metabolism).
• Adjunctive Therapy with Methotrexate: To reduce side effects of methotrexate in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis, by providing folate supplementation.

Nature

Folic acid is a synthetic form of folate (Vitamin B9), a water-soluble vitamin vital for fundamental biological processes.

Its mechanism of action involves:

1. Metabolic Activation: After oral ingestion, folic acid is readily absorbed from the small intestine and converted into its biologically active forms (e.g., tetrahydrofolate, 5-methyltetrahydrofolate) through enzymatic pathways, primarily in the liver.
2. Coenzyme Function: These active folate coenzymes serve as crucial participants in various single-carbon transfer reactions in intermediary metabolism. Their primary roles include:
   • DNA and RNA Synthesis: They are essential cofactors for the synthesis of purines and pyrimidines, which are the fundamental building blocks of DNA and RNA. This process is critical for all cells that undergo rapid division, such as red blood cell precursors in the bone marrow, and for fetal development.
   • Amino Acid Metabolism: They are involved in the interconversion of certain amino acids, notably the remethylation of homocysteine to methionine. Proper homocysteine metabolism is important for cardiovascular health.
   • Red Blood Cell Maturation: Adequate folate is indispensable for the normal maturation and division of red blood cells within the bone marrow. A deficiency leads to impaired DNA synthesis in these rapidly dividing cells, resulting in the characteristic large, immature red blood cells of megaloblastic anemia.

By supplying a sufficient quantity of folate, this tablet ensures the proper functioning of these critical metabolic pathways, supporting healthy cell division, particularly in the hematopoietic system, and preventing severe developmental abnormalities.

Storage

• Room Temperature: Store Folic Acid Tablet 5 mg at controlled room temperature, typically between 20∘C to 25∘C (68∘F to 77∘F).
• Protect from Light and Moisture: Keep the tablets in their original, tightly closed container or blister pack. It is essential to protect them from direct light, heat, and excessive humidity. Avoid storing in humid environments like bathrooms.
• Keep Out of Reach of Children: Store the medication in a secure place, well out of the sight and reach of children and pets. While generally safe, excessive intake should be avoided.
• Do Not Freeze: Do not freeze the tablets.
• Check Expiry Date: Always check the expiry date printed on the packaging. Do not use the medication after this date. Properly dispose of any expired or unused medication according to local pharmacy or waste disposal guidelines.