Folic Acid 5mg Tablets

Folic acid is a form of folate, a B vitamin the body needs to make healthy red blood cells.

It is used to:

• treat folate deficiency anaemia (low folate levels)
• help a baby's brain, skull and spinal cord develop in early pregnancy, lowering the risk of problems such as spina bifida
• prevent low folate in people having dialysis
• reduce some side effects of methotrexate

It comes as tablets or liquid, and is also found in many multivitamins.

Take it as your doctor or pharmacist tells you. The amount depends on the product and the reason you are taking it.

• Swallow tablets whole with a drink of water.
• For the liquid, use the syringe or spoon that comes with it, not a kitchen spoon.
• You can usually eat normally. Avoid or limit alcohol, as it can make folic acid work less well.
• If you miss a dose, take it when you remember, then carry on as usual. Do not take 2 doses to make up for one.
• An extra dose of folic acid alone is unlikely to cause harm, but taking too many multivitamins can be dangerous; get medical advice if this happens.

Side effects are uncommon. They may include:

• feeling sick or losing your appetite
• bloating or wind
• with the liquid: diarrhoea, being sick or an itchy rash

Get medical help straight away if you have:

• swelling of the face, lips, throat or tongue
• a raised, itchy rash or trouble breathing

These can be signs of a rare but serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it if you:

• have had an allergic reaction to folic acid or any other medicine
• have vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia or pernicious anaemia
• have a coronary stent
• have cancer

Folic acid can interact with some medicines, including epilepsy medicines (phenytoin, phenobarbital, primidone), chloramphenicol, co-trimoxazole, sulfasalazine, lithium and aspirin. Tell your pharmacist about everything you take.

Multivitamins with folic acid are not recommended for children under 12 unless advised.

Store as directed on the pack or leaflet, and keep out of the reach of children. Ask your pharmacist if you are unsure.

Pregnancy: it is recommended for the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, ideally starting before you get pregnant. Some women need a higher strength, so ask your doctor, midwife or pharmacist which is right for you. Check before taking a multivitamin in pregnancy.

Breastfeeding: folic acid can usually be taken, but check with your doctor or pharmacist first.

Driving: it is not expected to affect driving.