About Folic Acid 5 mg Tablet
Folic Acid 5 mg Tablet contains Folic Acid 5 mg. Folic acid is a form of vitamin B9 (folate). The body needs it to make healthy red blood cells and for the growth of a baby's brain and spine in early pregnancy. Higher-strength tablets are used to treat folate deficiency and certain types of anaemia, and to lower the risk of spine and brain defects in women at higher risk.
Uses of Folic Acid 5 mg Tablet
- Folate deficiency
- Anaemia caused by low folate (megaloblastic anaemia)
- Before and during early pregnancy for women at higher risk of having a baby with a neural tube defect
- Alongside some medicines, such as methotrexate, as prescribed
Benefits
In folate deficiency and anaemia
It helps the body make normal red blood cells, which can ease tiredness and weakness caused by low folate.
Before and during early pregnancy
Taking folic acid before conception and in the first weeks of pregnancy lowers the risk of the baby having a spine or brain defect.
Side effects
Side effects are rare.
Common
- Usually none
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Bloating
Get medical help if you notice
- Allergic reaction: rash, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing — seek emergency care
How to use
Take it exactly as your doctor prescribed. Swallow the tablet with water, with or without food.
How it works
Folic acid is turned into active folate in the body. Folate is needed to make DNA, so it is essential for making new cells, including red blood cells and a growing baby's cells.
Safety advice
Alcohol Safe
No interaction known. Heavy drinking can lower folate levels in the body.
Pregnancy Safe
Folic acid is recommended before and during early pregnancy. Take the strength your doctor advises.
Breastfeeding Safe
It is considered suitable while breastfeeding at the dose your doctor advises.
Driving Safe
It is not expected to affect your ability to drive.
Kidney Consult your doctor
Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease.
Liver Consult your doctor
Tell your doctor if you have liver disease.
If you miss a dose
If you miss a dose, take it when you remember. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Do not take two doses together.
Quick tips
- If you are planning a pregnancy, ask your doctor which strength you need and when to start.
- Do not use it on its own for anaemia until your doctor has checked your vitamin B12 level.
- Tell your doctor if you take medicine for epilepsy.
- Eat folate-rich foods such as green leafy vegetables, beans and citrus fruits.
Substitutes
Same salts in the same strength from other makers. Only switch brands on your doctor's or pharmacist's advice; our pharmacist checks every order against the prescription.
Fact box
- Chemical class
- Pteroylglutamic acid (B vitamin)
- Therapeutic class
- Vitamins and minerals
- Action class
- Vitamin B9 supplement
- Habit forming
- No
- Prescription
- Required
Interactions with other medicines
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin and herbal product you take.
| Medicine | What can happen |
|---|---|
| Phenytoin, phenobarbital and primidone (epilepsy medicines) | Folic acid may lower their levels and increase the risk of fits; your doctor may monitor you |
| Methotrexate | Folic acid is often prescribed with it on specific days; take it only as directed |
| Trimethoprim and sulfasalazine | Can lower folate levels in the body |
This page is general information to help you understand your medicine. It is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop or change a medicine on your own.
Written by the Asthra Health Care team from the approved prescribing information (Folic acid prescribing information (CDSCO-approved labelling); NICE BNF: folic acid). Pharmacist review pending.