Folinic Acid
Folinic acid, also known as leucovorin, is an active metabolite of folic acid. Unlike folic acid, it does not require the enzyme dihydrofolate reductase to be converted into its active form, making it highly effective in rescuing healthy cells from the toxic effects of folate antagonist drugs like methotrexate and pyrimethamine.
Dosage by Body Weight
Dosage is highly individualized and must be strictly guided by a healthcare professional. For methotrexate rescue, dosing is determined based on the dose of methotrexate administered, time since administration, and serum methotrexate concentration levels, typically calculated by body surface area (BSA) rather than standard weight tiers.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- Highly individualized (typically calculated using BSA)
- Frequency
- Use only if prescribed
- Tracking Notes
- Dosing must be calculated by a specialist, typically based on BSA or drug toxicity levels.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- BSA-dependent (approx. 1 mg to 2.5 mg)
- Frequency
- Every 6 hours or daily as directed
- Tracking Notes
- Commonly adjusted based on renal function and serum methotrexate levels.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- BSA-dependent (approx. 2 mg to 4 mg)
- Frequency
- Every 6 hours or daily as directed
- Tracking Notes
- Ensure adequate hydration and urinary alkalinization are maintained during rescue therapy.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- BSA-dependent (approx. 3.5 mg to 5 mg)
- Frequency
- Every 6 hours or daily as directed
- Tracking Notes
- Dose and frequency vary widely depending on the clinical protocol.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- BSA-dependent (approx. 5 mg to 7.5 mg)
- Frequency
- Every 6 hours or daily as directed
- Tracking Notes
- Close monitoring of fluid intake, output, and serum creatinine levels is essential.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Highly individualized (typically calculated using BSA) | Use only if prescribed | Dosing must be calculated by a specialist, typically based on BSA or drug toxicity levels. |
| 5-7 kg | BSA-dependent (approx. 1 mg to 2.5 mg) | Every 6 hours or daily as directed | Commonly adjusted based on renal function and serum methotrexate levels. |
| 8-10 kg | BSA-dependent (approx. 2 mg to 4 mg) | Every 6 hours or daily as directed | Ensure adequate hydration and urinary alkalinization are maintained during rescue therapy. |
| 11-15 kg | BSA-dependent (approx. 3.5 mg to 5 mg) | Every 6 hours or daily as directed | Dose and frequency vary widely depending on the clinical protocol. |
| 16-20 kg | BSA-dependent (approx. 5 mg to 7.5 mg) | Every 6 hours or daily as directed | Close monitoring of fluid intake, output, and serum creatinine levels is essential. |
Formulation
Purpose
Used to reduce the toxic effects of methotrexate (methotrexate rescue), to treat megaloblastic anemia caused by folic acid deficiency, and in combination regimens for advanced colorectal cancer.
Generic Name
Calcium Folinate (Folinic Acid)Branded Drug Names
Folinic Acid is listed as a generic drug name. Common branded medicines that may contain the same active ingredient include:
Scheduled Drug
Yes. This medicine should be supplied or used only according to applicable prescription and regulatory requirements.