Folic Acid

Folic acid is used to treat anemia due to a folic acid deficiency, anemia during pregnancy, anemia caused by damaged red blood cells, anemia in renal dialysis patients, and anemia caused by certain drugs. It may be given to women before and during pregnancy to prevent spinal abnormalities in their newborns. Anemia is a disorder in which the body does not have enough red blood cells to transport the necessary oxygen to different bodily tissues. It promotes healthy red blood cell synthesis in the body and transports oxygen throughout it. As a result, sufficient hemoglobin is created in the body, ensuring that each tissue receives an adequate supply of oxygen. The FDA approved it in 1947.

BRAND NAMES:

Ferralet 90 – It contains the active ingredient of folic acid. It is available in the form of tablets used to treat a lack of nutrient supply.

Folbic– It contains the active ingredients of the folic acid. It is available in the form of tablets.

Invite– It contains the active ingredients of folic acid. It is available in the form of an injection.

Myc-fluoride – It contains the active ingredients of folic acid. It is available in the form of chewable tablets.

Magnebind 400 RX –It contains the active ingredients of folic acid. It is available in the form of tablets.

MECHANISM OF ACTION:

Folate is primarily contained in the liver. The synthesized form of folic acid is dihydrofolate, which is transformed to THF by the dihydrofolate reductase enzyme, which uses nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate hydrogen. THF is then converted to 5-10-methylenetetrahydrofolate, which can take various pathways, including DNA synthesis via methionine synthesis.

PHARMACOKINETICS:

Absorption: After administration, folic acid is absorbed quickly from the small intestine, mainly from the proximal part. It appears in the plasma within 15-30 minutes of an oral dose, and peak levels are usually reached within an hour.

Distribution: Distribution of folic acid is distributed to all tissues in the body, but is mainly stored in the liver.

Metabolism: Folic acid is metabolized into the liver, it metabolizes folic acid into tetrahydrofolate and dihydrofolate.

Excretion: The metabolic products of folic acid are excreted through urine.

PHARMACODYNAMICS:

Folic acid is a synthetic version of folate. Folate converts to tetrahydrofolic aces. This molecule undergoes multiple transfer processes required for the synthesis of nitrogenous bases in DNA and ribonucleic acid, as well as the maturation of red blood cells.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION:

Oral administration of folic acid resulted in most patients with malabsorption cannot absorbed food folates, they can absorb folic acid given orally. Administration through injection is not usually recommended but may be necessary for some people receiving parenteral nutrition.

• It is available in tablets with the strengths of 400 mcg, 800 mcg, and 1 mg.
• It is also available in injectable solutions with a strength of 5 mg/ml.

DRUG INTERACTIONS:

Drug interaction with folic acid may include

• Antibiotics – trimethoprim
• Anti-hyperlipidemic drugs – cholestyramine
• Anti-inflammatory drugs – sulfasalazine
• Anti-cancer drugs – fluorouracil.
• Anti-convulsants – phenobarnital, primidone and phenytpoin.

CONTRAINDICATION:

Hypersensitivity is a potential contraindication to its administration

SIDE EFFECTS:

Side effects of folic acid may include

• Sleep problems
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Stomach pain
• Bloating
• Mood changes
• Bitter taste in the mouth

OVERDOSE:

Taking an overdose can cause some toxic effects.

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Stomach upset
• Confusion
• Skin reactions
• Seizures