Folvite

Before using folic acid, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, vitamin B12 deficiency (pernicious anemia).This product may contain aluminum, which can infrequently build up to dangerous levels in the body. The risk may be increased if this product is used for an extended time, especially in people with kidney disease. Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any symptoms of too much aluminum in the body such as muscle weakness, bone pain, or mental changes.Folic acid is safe to take during pregnancy when used as directed. Certain spinal cord birth defects may be prevented by maintaining adequate amounts of folic acid during pregnancy. Consult your doctor for more details.This medication passes into breast milk. While there have been no reports of harm to nursing infants, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.Some products that may interact with this drug include: chloramphenicol, methotrexate.Folic acid may affect certain laboratory tests for vitamin B12 deficiency, resulting in false test results. Untreated vitamin B12 deficiency may result in serious nerve problems (e.g., peripheral neuropathy with numbness/tingling symptoms). Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details.

For the best possible benefit, it is important to receive each scheduled dose of this medication as directed. If you miss a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately to establish a new dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Dosage Forms & Strengths

tablet

• 400mcg
• 800mcg
• 1mg

injectable solution

• 5mg/mL

Nutritional Supplementation

Recommended daily allowance (RDA)

Males: 400 mcg/day PO

Females: 400-800 mcg/day PO

Pregnant women: 600 mcg/day PO

Nursing women: 500 mcg/day PO

Upper limit: 1 mg/day PO

Neural Tube Defects Prophylaxis

Females of childbearing potential: 400 mcg/day PO

Pregnancy women: 600 mcg/day PO

Females with high risk or family history of neural tube defects: 4 mg/day PO

Folic Acid Deficiency

0.4-1 mg PO/IV/IM/SC once daily

Methanol Toxicity

50-75 mg IV q4hr for 24 hr

Methotrexate Toxicity Prophylaxis (Off-label)

1 mg PO qDay; may increase up to 5 mg/day if toxicity emerges

Dosage Forms & Strengths

tablet

• 400mcg
• 800mcg
• 1mg

injectable solution

• 5mg/mL

Nutritional Supplementation

RDA

0-6 months: 65 mcg/day PO

7-12 months: 80 mcg/day PO

1-4 years: 150 mcg/day PO

4-9 years: 200 mcg/day PO

9-14 years: 300 mcg/day PO

14-18 years: 400 mcg/day PO

Upper limit: 1-4 years, 300 mcg/day PO; 4-8 years, 400 mcg/day PO

Folic Acid Deficiency

Infants: 15 mcg/kg/day or 50 mcg/day IV/PO/IM/SC  

1-10 years: 1 mg/day IV/PO/IM/SC initially, then 0.1-0.4 mg/day

Methanol Toxicity

1 mg/kg IV q4hr for 24 hr 

Mechanism of Action

Necessary for formation of coenzymes in metabolic systems (purine and pyrimidine synthesis required for maintenance in erythropoiesis); stimulates platelet production in folate deficiency anemia

Enhances elimination of formic acid in methanol toxicity via provision of coenzyme to folate dehydrogenase

Absorption

Absorbed in proximal part of small intestine

Onset: PO, 0.5-1 hr

Metabolism

Metabolized in liver

Elimination

Excretion: Urine

IV/IM/SC Administration

Administer by IV/IM/SC injection only when PO administration is not feasible or when malabsorption is suspected

Most individuals with malabsorption can absorb oral folic acid

For IM use, administer by deep injection

Allergic sensitization has been reported following both oral and parenteral administration of folic acid.

• Anemia