Purifol

Each capsule contains 5 mg folic acid.

Folic acid is a member of the Vitamin B group. Folic acid is reduced in the body to tetrahydrofolate, which is a coenzyme for various metabolic processes including the synthesis of purine and pyrimidine nucleotides, and hence in the synthesis of DNA; it is also involved in some amino-acid conversions, and in the formation and utilization of formate. Deficiency, which can result in megaloblastic anemia, develops when the dietary intake is inadequate, as in malnutrition, from malabsorption, from increased utilization as in pregnancy or conditions such as hemolytic anemia, and as a result of the administration of folate antagonists and other drugs which interfere with normal folate metabolism.
Folic acid is absorbed mainly from the proximal part of the small intestine. The naturally occurring folate polyglutamates are largely deconjugated and reduced prior to absorption. It is the 5-methyltetrahydrofolate which appears in the portal circulation, where it is extensively bound to plasma proteins.
Folic acid is rapidly absorbed from normal diets and is distributed in body tissues. The principal storage site is the liver; it is also actively concentrated in the cerebrospinal fluid. There is an enterohepatic circulation for folate; about 4 to 5 mcg is excreted in the urine daily. Administration of larger doses of folic acid leads to proportionately more of the vitamin being excreted in the urine. Folate is distributed into breast milk.

Folic acid is used in the treatment and prevention of the folate deficiency state. During pregnancy, it assists reproductive techniques to prevent neural tube defects and orofacial clefts in the fetus. Folic acid also helps reduce depleted B-complex vitamins.

1 capsule daily, or as prescribed by the physician.

Megaloblastic anemia secondary to Vitamin B12 deficiency. Folic acid administration may produce hematologic remission with neurologic damage progresses. Folic acid should not be given before a diagnosis has been fully established. Large and continuous doses of folic acid may lower the blood concentration of Vitamin B12.

Folic acid should never be given alone or in conjunction with inadequate amounts of vitamin B12 for the treatment of undiagnosed megaloblastic anemia. Although folic acid may produce a hematopoietic response in patients with a megaloblastic anemia due to vitamin B12 deficiency, it should not be given alone in Vitamin B12 deficiency states as it may precipitate the onset of subacute combine degeneration of the cord. Therefore, the inclusion of folic acid in multivitamin preparations may be dangerous as an improvement in vitamin B12 dependent megaloblastic anemia may mask the true deficiency state.
Caution is advised in patients who may have folate-dependent tumors.

Folic acid is generally well tolerated, gastrointestinal disturbances may occur. Hypersensitivity reactions have been reported.

Folate status may be affected by a number of drugs and anticonvulsants, oral contraceptives, anti-tuberculosis drugs, alcohol, and folic acid antagonists including aminopterin, methotrexate, pyrimethamine, trimethoprim, and sulphonamides which have all been said to produce folate deficiency states.

Store at temperatures not exceeding 30°C.

Vitamin B-Complex / with C

B03BB01 - folic acid ; Belongs to the class of folic acid and derivatives. Used in the treatment of anemia.

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