About folic acid
Vitamin B9 (folate)
Used for
- Treats folate-deficiency megaloblastic anemia when injections are needed.
- Prevents or treats folate deficiency when oral treatment is unsuitable.
Usual adult dose
Commonly 1 mg injected daily; dose and duration depend on the cause and response.
Usual dose in children
Dose depends on age, weight, and cause; specialist guidance is needed.
Common side effects
- Injection-site pain or redness
- Nausea
- Allergic reactions, rarely severe
Important warnings
- Vitamin B12 deficiency must be considered; folic acid can mask anemia while nerve damage progresses.
- Use under medical supervision; treatment depends on the cause of deficiency.
Pregnancy
Folate is important in pregnancy. This injection is used only when clinically indicated; routine prevention usually uses oral folic acid.
Breastfeeding
Folic acid is compatible with breastfeeding at usual prescribed doses.
Interactions
- Some anti-seizure medicines, including phenytoin, may have reduced levels.
- Methotrexate and other antifolate medicines can interact.
- Chloramphenicol may impair the blood 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 It may be incomplete or out of date.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.