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FOLIC ACID - a patient's guide
Editorial Team
USE: Folate deficiency; lower incidence of spina
bifida if taken during pregnancy.
Folic acid is prescribed for the treatment of megaloblastic
anaemia; replacement therapy during pregnancy and breastfeeding
- reducing the incidence of birth defects (esp. spina bifida).
Folic acid (folate) is used for the synthesis of DNA bases
(purine and pyrimidine) where deficiency can result in faulty
cell division and maturation. Deficiency can be due to factors
such as poor diet, alcohol abuse, increased requirements
(pregnancy), malabsorption, and certain drugs with presenting
signs of weight loss, sore tongue, diarrhoea and neurological
problems.
Cautions:
Undiagnosed megaloblastic anaemia (rule out Vit-B12 deficiency).
Folate-dependent tumours.
Side effects:
Rarely: stomach problems, diarrhoea, sleep disturbances,
irritability, and skin rash (stop treatment).
Interactions:
Anti-epileptics (phenobarbitone, phenytoin) are possibly
reduced in combination with folic acid. Other interactions
include sulphasalazine, trimethoprim, methotrexate and pyrimethamine.
Patient information:
Follow the instructions on the label of this medicine
Do not stop taking this medicine unless directed (even
if you feel better)
Take 4 weeks pre-conception to 3 months post-conception
for reducing risk of birth defects
Contact your doctor if side effects are severe (skin rash)
or ongoing (diarrhoea)
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