Generic Name

Folic Acid
Brand Name Apo-Folic , Folvite, Novo-Folacid
Classification Nutritional Supplement
Dosage
Mode of Action Acts as a catalyst for normal production of red blood cells, helping prevent megaloblastic anemia, and

helps maintain normal homocystine levels.

Indication Megaloblastic or macrocytic anemia caused by folic acid or other nutritional deficiency, hepatic

diseases, alcoholicm, intestinal obstruction, and hemolysis.

Contraindications Hypersensitivity to folic acid or its components
Drug interactions Drug-Drug

 Possibly increased folic acid requirements with analgesics and estrogens

 Possibly decreased folic acid absorption if used with antacids.

  Possibly decreased effectiveness of these drugs, possibly increased folic acid requirements.

Adverse Effects Allergic reactions(e.g brochospsms, erythema, fever, malaise, rash, pruritus)
1. To prevent decreased absorption, give folic acid supplements at least 1 hour before or 4 hours

Nursing after cholestyramine or sulfasalazine and don’t give antacids within 1 hour before or 2 hours

Responsibilites after giving folic acid.

2. Know that folic acid will correct hematologic disorders in pernicious anemia, but neurologic

problems will progressively worse.

3. Explain to patients with pernicious anemia that folic acid won’t affect the neurologic symptoms

associated with the disesase.

4. Obtain a baseline assessment of patient’s underlying condition before therapy

5. Be alert for adverse reactions and drug interactions throughout therapy

6. Evaluate patient’s and family’s knowledge about vitamin B9 therapy.

7. Tell patient to avoid consumption of alcohol as it increases folic acid requirements.