What is Folic Acid?
Folic acid is a type of B vitamin that is normally found in foods such as dried beans, peas, lentils, oranges, whole-wheat products, liver, asparagus, beets, broccoli, brussels sprouts, and spinach.
Folic acid helps your body produce and maintain new cells, and also helps prevent changes to DNA that may lead to cancer.
As a medication, folic acid is used to treat folic acid deficiency and certain types of anemia (lack of red blood cells) caused by folic acid deficiency.
Folic acid is sometimes used in combination with other medications to treat pernicious anemia. However, folic acid will not treat Vitamin B12 deficiency and will not prevent possible damage to the spinal cord. Take all of your medications as directed.
Folic acid may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Folic Acid?
You should not use this medication if you have ever had an allergic reaction to folic acid.
Before you take folic acid, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis), an infection, if you are an alcoholic, or if you have any type of anemia that has not been diagnosed by a doctor and confirmed with laboratory testing.
Talk to your doctor about taking folic acid during pregnancy or while breast-feeding.
Folic acid is sometimes used in combination with other medications to treat pernicious anemia. However, folic acid will not treat Vitamin B12 deficiency and will not prevent possible damage to the spinal cord. Take all of your medications as directed.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Folic Acid?
You should not use this medication if you have ever had an allergic reaction to folic acid.
If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication:
- kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis)
- hemolytic anemia
- pernicious anemia
- anemia that has not been diagnosed by a doctor and confirmed with laboratory testing
- an infection; or
- if you are an alcoholic
FDA pregnancy category A. Folic acid is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby, and your dose needs may even increase while you are pregnant. Talk to your doctor about taking folic acid during pregnancy.
Your dose needs may also be different if you are breast-feeding a baby. Ask your doctor about taking folic acid if you are breast-feeding.
Folic Acid Side Effects
What are the possible side effects of Folic Acid?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Less serious side effects are more likely, but may include:
- nausea, loss of appetite
- bloating, gas
- bitter or unpleasant taste in your mouth
- sleep problems
- depression; or
- feeling excited or irritable
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Folic Acid Interactions
What other drugs affect Folic Acid?
The dosages of other medications you take may need to be changed while you are taking folic acid.
Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially:
- phenytoin (Dilantin)
- methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall)
- nitrofurantoin (Macrodantin, Macrobid)
- pyrimethamine (Daraprim)
- tetracycline (Ala-Tet, Brodspec, Sumycin)
- a barbiturate such as butabarbital (Butisol), secobarbital (Seconal), pentobarbital (Nembutal), or phenobarbital (Solfoton); or
- seizure medication such as phenytoin (Dilantin) or primidone (Mysoline)
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with folic acid. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
What should I avoid while taking Folic Acid?
Follow your doctor’s instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.
Folic Acid Dosage
How should I take Folic Acid?
Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Take folic acid with a full glass of water.
Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.
Store folic acid at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I overdose on Folic Acid?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
Overdose symptoms may include numbness or tingling, mouth or tongue pain, weakness, tired feeling confusion, or trouble concentrating.
What happens if I miss a dose of Folic Acid?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Sourced from everydayhealth.com