Folic Acid (Folic Acid)
Overview of Folic Acid
The vitamin derives its name from the Latin word folium, leaf. It stimulate the production of red blood cells (RBCs). Folic Acid is composed of a pteridine heterocycle, para aminobenzoic acid, and glutamic acid. Various forms of it are present in a variety of plant and animal tissues. It was first isolated from spinach leaves where Folic Acid is now known to occur in relatively minute amounts compared to other food sources. Folic Acid is found in wide variety of foods, with its highest content being found in yeast, liver, and green vegetables.
Indication of Folic Acid
Folic Acid is primarily indicated in conditions like Anaemia, Coeliac disease, Folate-deficient megaloblastic anaemia, For prophylaxis in chronic haemolytic states or in renal dialysis, For prophylaxis in pregnancy, Haemolytic anaemia, Megaloblastic anaemia, Myelofibrosis, To prevent 1st occurrence of neural tube defect, To prevent recurrence of neural tube defect, Vitamin deficiency.
Contraindication of Folic Acid
No data regarding the contra indications of Folic Acid is available.
Side Effects of Folic Acid
The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Folic Acid, which give rise to further complications include Neuropathy, Bronchospasm, Itchy skin eruptions, Malaise, Status epilepticus.,The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Folic Acid are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Anorexia, Erythema, Itching, Skin rash.
Precautions of Folic Acid
Folic acid should be used with extreme caution in patients with any sort of anemia (especially pernicious anemia). Caution is advised in patients who may have folate dependant tumor. Folic acid should not be given alone or in conjunction with inadequate amount of vitamin B12 for the treatment of undiagnosed megaloblastic anaemia.