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Folic Acid

A vitamin B9 medicine taken in pregnancy to help the baby develop and to treat folate deficiency anaemia.

Clinical information

Common uses

  • folate deficiency anaemia
  • helping the baby's brain, skull and spine develop in pregnancy
  • keeping folate levels up during dialysis
  • preventing methotrexate side effects

Common side effects

  • bloating
  • farting (flatulence)
  • feeling sick
  • loss of appetite

Cautions

  • not suitable with vitamin B12 deficiency or pernicious anaemia
  • check first if you have cancer or a coronary stent
  • multivitamins with folic acid are not for children under 12
  • limit alcohol — it affects how well folic acid works

Interactions

  • epilepsy medicines such as phenytoin, phenobarbital and primidone
  • antibiotics such as chloramphenicol and co-trimoxazole
  • sulfasalazine (bowel and arthritis medicine)
  • lithium (mental health medicine)
  • aspirin

Pregnancy: recommended in pregnancy — take for the first 12 weeks

Reference information, not medical advice — always follow your doctor or pharmacist. Source: NHS Medicines A–Z, nhs.uk/medicines/folic-acid (accessed 2026-08-16)

Approved brands & formulations6

Brand nameDosage formStrengthImporterCategory
Axcel Folic Acid TabletTablet5 mgState Trading Organization PlcPOM
DuafolicTablet5 mgauthorized medicine importersPOM
DuafolicTablet5 mgDial Trade and Travels Pvt. LtdPOM
Folic AcidTablet1mg—POM
FOLIC ACIDTablet5 mgauthorized medicine importersPOM
Hovid Folic acidTablet ( Uncoated Tablet )5mgHeart Land PharmacyPOM
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