About folic acid
Water-soluble B vitamin
Used for
- Treating folate deficiency and folate-deficiency anaemia
- Preventing neural tube defects before and during early pregnancy
- Preventing deficiency in people with increased folate needs
Usual adult dose
Folate deficiency: usually 5 mg once daily for about 4 months; prevention in pregnancy: usually 400 micrograms daily.
Usual dose in children
For folate-deficiency anaemia, doses vary by age; commonly 1–5 mg once daily under medical supervision.
Common side effects
- Usually well tolerated
- Rarely, allergic reactions such as rash or swelling
- Rarely, stomach upset or loss of appetite
Important warnings
- Vitamin B12 deficiency should be ruled out or treated, as folic acid may mask blood changes while nerve damage progresses.
- Higher doses may be needed for some people at increased pregnancy risk, under clinical guidance.
- Seek urgent care for signs of a severe allergic reaction.
Pregnancy
Folic acid is recommended before conception and during early pregnancy to reduce neural tube defects. Higher doses require clinical guidance.
Breastfeeding
Folic acid is generally compatible with breastfeeding at recommended doses.
Interactions
- Some epilepsy medicines, including phenytoin and phenobarbital, may interact.
- Methotrexate and other medicines affecting folate may interact.
- Chloramphenicol may reduce the response to folic acid.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.