Folic acid is a naturally occurring substance that is important for the formation of red and white
blood cells. Folic acid is present in foods such as dried beans, peas, lentils, oranges, whole-wheat
products, liver, asparagus, beets, broccoli, brussels sprouts, and spinach.
As a medication, folic acid is used to treat folic acid deficiency and megaloblastic anemia
caused by folic acid deficiency.
Folic acid may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking folic acid (oral/injectable)?
Folic acid should not be taken to treat undiagnosed anemia. Folic acid may hide the symptoms
of pernicious anemia, leading to neurologic damage. Treatment of anemia during folic acid therapy may
also require vitamin B12.
Folic acid is in the FDA pregnancy category A. This means that it is safe to take folic acid
during pregnancy. In fact, increased amounts of folic acid are recommended during pregnancy to
reduce the risk that a folic acid deficiency will cause complications. Talk to your doctor about taking
folic acid during pregnancy.
It is safe to use folic acid during breast-feeding. Talk to your doctor about taking this
medication if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take folic acid (oral/injectable)?
Take folic acid exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions,
ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to explain them to you.
Take oral folic acid with a full glass of water.
Folic acid is usually taken every day. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Sometimes, it may be necessary to receive folic acid by injection.
Store folic acid at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose of folic acid (oral/injectable)?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next
dose, skip the dose you missed, and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a
double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
Where can I get more information about folic acid (oral/injectable)?
Your pharmacist has information about folic acid (oral/injectable) written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of folic acid (oral/injectable)?
Side effects from folic acid are not common.
Stop taking folic acid and seek emergency medical treatment if you experience an allergic
reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives).
Continue taking folic acid and talk to your doctor if you experience any of the following less
serious side effects, which have occurred with large doses of folic acid:
nausea,
decreased appetite,
abdominal distention,
flatulence,
bitter or bad taste,
insomnia, or
difficulty concentrating.
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. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about folic acid (oral/injectable)?
Take this medication only under the supervision of your doctor.
What should I avoid while taking folic acid (oral/injectable)?
There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activities while you are taking folic acid, unless
your doctor directs otherwise.
What other drugs will affect folic acid (oral/injectable)?
Large doses of folic acid may decrease the effects of phenytoin (Dilantin). Your doctor may
need to adjust your dose of phenytoin to prevent seizures during treatment with folic acid.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with folic acid. Talk to your doctor and
pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.
What happens if I have an overdose of folic acid (oral/injectable)?
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share
your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum
information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not
warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does
not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist
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a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or
drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any
given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information
Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug
interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse
or pharmacist.
Content provided by Multum - Last Updated 11/10/2009