Folic acid is a component of the B group of vitamins and is necessary for the normal production and maturation of red blood cells.
Folic acid is indicated:
1. For the treatment of folate-deficient megaloblastic anaemia due to malnutrition, malabsorption syndromes (such as coeliac disease or sprue) and increased utilisation as in pregnancy. It should not be used alone in undiagnosed megaloblastic anaemia including in infancy, pernicious anaemia or macrocytic anaemia of unknown aetiology unless administered with adequate amounts of hydroxocobalamin.
2. For the prophylaxis of drug-induced folate deficiency e.g. caused by administration of phenytoin, phenobarbital and primidone.
3. For the prophylaxis against folate deficiency in chronic haemolytic states or in renal dialysis.
4. For the prevention of neural tube defects for women planning a pregnancy and known to be at risk.
