Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid)
Vitamin B9, widely known as folic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a vital role in DNA synthesis, cell division, and the maturation of red blood cells. It is essential for rapid cell division and growth, making it especially important during pregnancy and infancy.
Dosage by Body Weight
Standard daily maintenance dose for adults is 400 mcg. Pregnant women typically require 400 mcg to 800 mcg daily to prevent birth defects. Therapeutic doses for confirmed deficiency range from 1 mg to 5 mg daily as prescribed by a physician.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- 0.1 mg
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Tracking Notes
- Use only under strict medical supervision, typically indicated for neonatal folate deficiency or low birth weight infants.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- 0.1 mg to 0.25 mg
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Tracking Notes
- Adjust dosage based on serum folate levels and nutritional assessment.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- 0.25 mg
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Tracking Notes
- Liquid drops are recommended for accurate dosing in this weight range.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- 0.25 mg to 0.5 mg
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Tracking Notes
- Ensure consistent daily administration; absorption is generally efficient.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- 0.5 mg
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Tracking Notes
- Consult with a pediatrician to determine treatment duration for folate-deficient states.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | 0.1 mg | Once daily | Use only under strict medical supervision, typically indicated for neonatal folate deficiency or low birth weight infants. |
| 5-7 kg | 0.1 mg to 0.25 mg | Once daily | Adjust dosage based on serum folate levels and nutritional assessment. |
| 8-10 kg | 0.25 mg | Once daily | Liquid drops are recommended for accurate dosing in this weight range. |
| 11-15 kg | 0.25 mg to 0.5 mg | Once daily | Ensure consistent daily administration; absorption is generally efficient. |
| 16-20 kg | 0.5 mg | Once daily | Consult with a pediatrician to determine treatment duration for folate-deficient states. |
Formulation
Purpose
Prevention and treatment of folate deficiency, support for healthy fetal development during pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects, and management of megaloblastic anemia.
Generic Name
Folic AcidBranded Drug Names
Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid) is listed as a generic drug name. Common branded medicines that may contain the same active ingredient include:
Scheduled Drug
No. This medicine is generally not treated as a scheduled/prescription-only drug in common consumer references, but local rules may vary.