In the article, we consider the instructions for use and reviews for the drug "Folacin".
This is a vitamin product used to make up for the lack of folic acid in the body. This acid refers to B vitamins that are involved in the process of hematopoiesis, metabolic processes, as well as the formation of amino acids and nucleic acids. Folic acid during pregnancy contributes to the normal maturation of the placenta and protects the fetus from damaging effects.
Instructions for “Folacin” are presented below.
Release form and composition of the drug
The drug enters the pharmacological market in the form of yellow cylindrical tablets with insignificant impregnations of orange and marbling. Flavourless tablets, with a risk and a facet on the one hand. Tablets are available in blisters of 10 tablets, one, two or three blisters in a cardboard box.
The active ingredient in the drug is folic acid, contained in an amount of 5 mg in each tablet. Auxiliary components are lactose monohydrate, crospovidone, povidone, microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate.
Pharmacokinetics
According to the instructions for “Folacin”, when ingested, folic acid is absorbed in the digestive tract, the maximum concentration is reached within half an hour or an hour. It is also excreted quite quickly, approximately five hours after ingestion.
Drug action
In the body, folic acid passes into tetrahydrofolic acid, which is involved in many metabolic processes and ensures the normal formation of normoblasts and the maturation of megaloblasts. The drug enhances the formation of red blood cells, is involved in the formation of amino acids (for example, serine, methionine, serine), pyrimidines, purines, nucleic acids, as well as in the exchange of histidine and choline.
Folic acid is required by the female body during pregnancy for the proper development and functioning of the placenta, as well as protecting the unborn child from chemical, biological and physical negative effects.
Indications for use
According to the instructions, “Folacin” based on folic acid is used to eliminate the lack of folic acid and treat some varieties of anemia.
Admission is recommended for the following purposes:
- prevention and treatment of folic acid deficiency caused by malnutrition or unbalanced nutrition;
- prevention and treatment of anemia that develops against the background of a lack of folic acid (megaloblastic, sideroblastic, postresection anemia, macrocytic hyperchromic anemia, leukopenia and anemia resulting from exposure to ionizing radiation or medication, anemia due to diseases of the small intestine or malabsorption syndrome);
- prevention and treatment of anemia during pregnancy and lactation;
- prevention of the occurrence of abnormalities of the neural tube of the fetus during the period of gestation;
- lack of folic acid due to prolonged use of anticonvulsants or drugs that block the action of folic acid.
This is described in detail in the instructions for use with Folacin.
Contraindications
The drug can not be taken with such painful conditions as:
- malignant tumor formations;
- increased individual sensitivity to the active and auxiliary components of the drug;
- lack of cobalamin;
- pernicious anemia caused by vitamin B12 deficiency.
Side effect
The drug "Folacin" can cause unwanted adverse reactions from the digestive system, such as bitterness in the mouth, nausea, lack of appetite, anorexia, bloating. It is also possible the manifestation of allergies in the form of itching, redness of the skin, rashes, bronchospasm. Interaction of "Folacin" with other drugs. Folic acid, taken with oral contraceptives, reduces the effectiveness of the latter. For the same reason, you can not take "Folacin" simultaneously with sulfasalazine, glutethimide, cycloserine, methotrexate, primidine, phenytoin. In addition to reduced effectiveness, there is a risk of developing epileptic seizures. Neomycin, chloramphenicol, tetracyclines and polymyxins reduce the absorption of folic acid.
Instructions for "Folacin"
The drug is taken orally, the dosage depends on the disease.
In the treatment of megaloblastic anemia caused by a lack of folic acid , the drug is prescribed in a dosage of 5 mg (one tablet) per day for four months. To prevent this disease, the dosage is half as much.
For the treatment and prevention of macrocytic anemia caused by malabsorption, inflammation of the intestines or malnutrition, the drug is taken 15 mg per day.
In order to prevent defects in the development of the brain and spinal cord of the fetus, “Folacin” is used at 2.5 mg per day, the drug should be started 4 weeks before the planned pregnancy. Apply the drug during the first trimester of pregnancy.
For some chronic infections, alcoholism, or taking anticonvulsants, increased doses of the drug may be prescribed.
How to take according to the instructions "Folacin" during pregnancy?
Use during pregnancy and lactation
Folic acid is one of the most important components for the body of a woman and the unborn child. It is useful to take drugs with folic acid in the composition at the stage of pregnancy planning, as well as during the period of gestation and breastfeeding. This is due to the important role of folic acid in the processes of hematopoiesis, the activity of the cardiovascular and nervous systems, metabolic processes, the production of nucleic and amino acids. Thus, taking the drug ensures the correct formation and functioning of the placenta, protects the fetus from harmful biological and chemical effects, reduces the risk of pathologies, participates in the development of the neural tube and cell division.
This confirms the instructions for use for the drug "Folacin". During pregnancy, it is very effective.
A lack of folic acid in the mother’s body leads to a high probability of premature birth, termination of pregnancy, placental abruption, postpartum complications, and a lack of vitamin in the newborn. Since the lack of this substance can be eliminated only by taking vitamin preparations, the use of the drug during pregnancy and lactation is not only safe, but also often necessary. However, before taking the tablets, you should consult your doctor and read the instructions for use.
"Folacin" when planning pregnancy is also advisable to apply.
special instructions
Long-term treatment with the drug, especially at high dosages, can cause a decrease in the level of vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin), therefore, the simultaneous use of these drugs is recommended.
Elevated doses of “Folacin” are necessary for patients with hemodialysis.
Alcohol compatibility
Alcoholic beverages reduce the absorption of folic acid, and therefore its use is not recommended at the same time as folacin treatment.
To date, not a single case of an overdose of Folacin has been recorded. The drug is sold in pharmacies without a prescription.
Drug analogues and storage
There are several analogues of Folacin tablets, among which are Foliber, Folic Acid, Flavinate, Mamifol, Evitol and some others.
Terms and conditions of storage of the drug
"Folacin" is stored at a temperature not exceeding 25 degrees, in a place inaccessible to children. The drug is suitable for 5 years from the date of manufacture.
Reviews about the drug
More often than not, Folacin is taken by women at the planning stage and in early pregnancy. The importance of folic acid for the female body and the development of the unborn child is not in doubt, and therefore the need for the drug is recognized by both doctors and patients. Folacin is also very popular among nursing mothers, since after pregnancy and childbirth a woman often has a lack of folic acid, characterized by drowsiness and weakness. After a course of Folacin therapy, most women report an improvement in well-being, which is confirmed by blood tests.
Specialists also note the high effectiveness of the vitamin preparation to eliminate folic acid deficiency. According to doctors, a course of vitamins is necessary for pregnant and lactating women for the proper development of the future baby and maintain the health of the mother. "Folacin" is an excellent tool for the treatment and prevention of not only pathologies associated with the formation and development of the fetus, but also with various types of anemia.
We reviewed the tool "Folacin" instructions and reviews.