Folic Acid
Folic acid is a B-complex vitamin (Vitamin B9) necessary for red blood cell production and DNA synthesis. It is crucial during periods of rapid growth, such as pregnancy and infancy. Unlike folinic acid (leucovorin), standard folic acid cannot be used as a rescue agent to reduce the toxicity of methotrexate.
Dosage by Body Weight
Standard daily maintenance dose for adults is 400 mcg to 800 mcg. Therapeutic doses for deficiency can range from 1 mg to 5 mg daily. Pediatric dosage is weight- and age-dependent and should be guided by a healthcare provider.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- 0.1 mg daily
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Tracking Notes
- Consult a pediatrician. Used primarily for infants with confirmed deficiency or high risk.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- 0.1 mg to 0.25 mg daily
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Tracking Notes
- Usually given as an oral liquid formulation or crushed tablet mixed with milk/water.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- 0.25 mg daily
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Tracking Notes
- Adjust dosage based on underlying hematological parameters.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- 0.25 mg to 0.5 mg daily
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Tracking Notes
- Maintain adequate hydration and dietary folate intake.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- 0.5 mg to 1 mg daily
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Tracking Notes
- Maximum therapeutic daily dose for this weight range is typically 1 mg.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | 0.1 mg daily | Once daily | Consult a pediatrician. Used primarily for infants with confirmed deficiency or high risk. |
| 5-7 kg | 0.1 mg to 0.25 mg daily | Once daily | Usually given as an oral liquid formulation or crushed tablet mixed with milk/water. |
| 8-10 kg | 0.25 mg daily | Once daily | Adjust dosage based on underlying hematological parameters. |
| 11-15 kg | 0.25 mg to 0.5 mg daily | Once daily | Maintain adequate hydration and dietary folate intake. |
| 16-20 kg | 0.5 mg to 1 mg daily | Once daily | Maximum therapeutic daily dose for this weight range is typically 1 mg. |
Formulation
Purpose
Used to treat or prevent folate deficiency anemia, and as a routine prenatal supplement to prevent neural tube defects in newborns. It is not used for rescue therapy after high-dose methotrexate.
Generic Name
Folic AcidBranded Drug Names
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.