Folic Acid Side Effects

Folic Acid Tablet is a B vitamin that is essential for various bodily functions, including the formation of DNA and the production of red blood cells. It is commonly used as a supplement to prevent or treat folate deficiency and is also recommended for pregnant women to help prevent birth defects. While Folic Acid Tablets are generally considered safe when taken at recommended doses, like any medication or supplement, they can have side effects in some individuals.

Common Side Effects of Folic Acid

1. Upset Stomach: Some people may experience mild gastrointestinal discomforts, such as nausea, bloating, gas, or diarrhea when taking Folic Acid Tablets. Taking it with food can often help reduce these symptoms.
2. Allergic Reactions: Although rare, some individuals may be allergic to folic acid. Signs of an allergic reaction can include itching, rash, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, and difficulty breathing. If you experience these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
3. Insomnia: In some rare cases, high doses of Folic Acid Tablet might lead to insomnia or difficulty sleeping.
4. Seizures: Extremely high doses of Folic Acid Tablets (much higher than the recommended daily intake) may trigger or exacerbate seizures in people with epilepsy. It’s essential to follow healthcare provider recommendations for dosages, especially if you have a seizure disorder.
5. Other Side Effects: Some individuals may experience other side effects like irritability, confusion, and a bitter taste in the mouth, although these are less common.

The Brand Folic Acid tablet is one of the leading brands in this category, manufactured and marketed by Zafa Pharmaceuticals, Pakistan.

Presently, Folic Acid is available in tablet form.

Folic Acid Tablet : 5mg strength

Folic acid is generally safe and well-tolerated when used as directed. However, it can interact with certain medications, potentially affecting their effectiveness or leading to adverse effects. Here are some common drug interactions associated with folic acid:

Methotrexate: Methotrexate is a medication used to treat various conditions, including cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriasis. Folic acid can interfere with the effectiveness of methotrexate when used in high doses, as both substances compete for the same metabolic pathway. In some cases, healthcare providers may recommend folic acid supplementation to mitigate the side effects of methotrexate without compromising its therapeutic effects. However, the timing and dosage of folic acid supplementation should be closely monitored by a healthcare provider to avoid potential interactions.

Antiepileptic Drugs: Certain antiepileptic drugs, such as phenytoin, phenobarbital, and primidone, may interfere with the absorption and metabolism of folic acid. This can lead to folic acid deficiency, and supplementation may be necessary. Healthcare providers often monitor folic acid levels in individuals taking these medications.

Sulfasalazine: Sulfasalazine, used to treat inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, may reduce the absorption of folic acid. Folic acid supplementation is often recommended when using sulfasalazine to prevent deficiencies.

Pyrimethamine: Pyrimethamine is an antimalarial medication that can also be used to treat certain parasitic infections. It can interfere with the action of folic acid, and supplementation with folic acid may be necessary to prevent deficiencies.

Antibiotics: Some antibiotics, particularly those in the trimethoprim class (e.g., trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole), can interfere with folic acid metabolism. This interaction may lead to increased folic acid requirements. Your healthcare provider may recommend folic acid supplementation while taking these antibiotics.

Oral Contraceptives: High-dose folic acid supplementation may reduce the effectiveness of some oral contraceptives. However, the clinical significance of this interaction is generally considered minimal. Consult your healthcare provider for guidance if you have concerns.

Methotrexate Rescue: In cancer chemotherapy regimens that use high-dose methotrexate, folic acid is sometimes administered as part of a rescue regimen to help reduce methotrexate toxicity. This is done under close medical supervision to ensure proper timing and dosing.

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