Be-Tabs Folic Acid 5mg Tablets
Clinical Summary
Quick overview from the medicine insert
Indication
Prevention and treatment of folate deficiency, including during pregnancy and lactation.
Dosage (summary)
The usual dose for adults is 5 mg once daily, or as directed by a healthcare professional.
Onset of Action / Duration
Folic acid is absorbed rapidly, with peak plasma concentrations occurring within 1-2 hours after oral administration. The duration of action is dependent on the underlying condition being treated.
Special Populations
- Pregnant women
- Lactating women
- Individuals with malabsorption syndromes
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Folic acid is considered safe during pregnancy and lactation. It is essential for fetal development and helps prevent neural tube defects.
Key Drug Interactions
- Anticonvulsants (e.g., phenytoin, phenobarbital) may reduce the effectiveness of folic acid.
- Methotrexate may interfere with the action of folic acid.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to folic acid or any of the excipients.
- Untreated vitamin B12 deficiency (may mask symptoms).
Common side effects
- Nausea
- Abdominal discomfort
- Allergic reactions (rare)
Counselling Points
- Advise patients to take the medication as prescribed and not to exceed the recommended dose.
- Inform patients about the importance of folic acid in pregnancy.
- Encourage a balanced diet rich in folate sources (e.g., leafy greens, legumes).
Serious warnings
- Excessive intake of folic acid may mask vitamin B12 deficiency.
- Monitor patients with a history of hypersensitivity reactions.
Important Disclaimer
The Be-Tabs Folic Acid 5mg Tablets professional information leaflet below is the property of Ranbaxy Pharmaceuticals and is provided on Medinsert exactly as issued, with no.. alterations or editorial changes. We make every effort to keep content current by updating documents as soon as new versions become available. Medinsert serves as a trusted access point for healthcare professionals, but does not replace official sources or clinical judgement. For more details, please read our full disclaimer. read more>>
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Clinical Particulars
Section 4 of the official insert — extracted exactly as issued, no alterations
4.1 Therapeutic indications
BE-TABS FOLIC ACID 5 mg TABLETS are used to treat anaemia.
4.2 Posology and method of administration
The usual dose is 400 mcg for adults and adolescents. In the treatment of megaloblastic anaemia, folic acid may be given by mouth in an initial dose of 10 to 20 mg daily for 14 days; the maintenance dose is 2.5 to 10 mg. In the prophylaxis of megaloblastic anaemia of pregnancy, the usual dose is 200 to 500 mcg daily.
4.3 Contraindications
Do not take BE-TABS FOLIC ACID 5 mg TABLETS:
- if you are hypersensitive (allergic) to prednisone or any other ingredients of BE - TABS FOLIC ACID 5 mg TABLETS (listed in section 6)
- if you have pernicious anaemia. BE - TABS FOLIC ACID 5 mg TABLETS should not be used as the only treatment of pernicious anaemia, since it will not prevent degeneration of the spinal cord (sub-acute combined degeneration of the spinal cord).
4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use
Take special care with BE-TABS FOLIC ACID 5 mg TABLETS:
- if you are having treatment for pernicious anaemia (the production of red blood cells is affected) caused by vitamin B 12 deficiency. You will need to take other medicines in combination with BE - TABS FOLIC ACID 5 mg TABLETS to treat this condition.
4.5 Interactions with other medicines
Always tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicine. (This includes all complementary or traditional medicines.)
- antiepileptics (to treat epilepsy) such as phenytoin, phenobarbital, primidone, sodium valproate and carbamazepine
- antibacterials (to treat infections) such as trimethoprim, chloramphenicol and co-trimoxazole
- sulfasalazine (to treat ulcerative colitis, Crohnu2019s disease or rheumatoid arthritis)
- methotrexate (to treat Crohnu2019s disease, psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis)
- lithium for mental health problems
- triamterene, a diuretic (or u2018water tabletu2019)
- a gas and air mixture to put you to sleep for an operation or to relieve pain while you are awake
- alcohol
- aspirin for pain relief or to thin your blood.
4.6 Fertility, pregnancy and lactation
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, please consult your doctor, pharmacist or other health care provider for advice before taking this medicine.
4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines
BE-TABS FOLIC ACID 5 mg TABLETS are not likely to affect you being able to drive or use any tools or machines.
4.8 Undesirable effects
BE-TABS FOLIC ACID 5 mg TABLETS can have side effects. Not all side effects reported for BE - TABS FOLIC ACID 5 mg TABLETS are included in this leaflet. Should your general health worsen or if you experience any untoward effects while taking BE - TABS FOLIC ACID 5 mg TABLETS, please consult your health care provider for advice. If any of the following happens, stop taking BE-TABS FOLIC ACID 5 mg TABLETS and tell your doctor immediately or go to the casualty department at your nearest hospital:
- An allergic reaction may include: Any kind of skin rash, flaking skin, boils or sore lips and mouth
- In rare cases, severe allergic reaction (anaphylactic shock) may occur which may include sudden itching of the skin, wheezing, fluttering or tightness of the chest, or collapse. These are a very serious side effects. If you have them, you may have had a serious allergic reaction to BE-TABS FOLIC ACID 5 mg TABLETS. You may need urgent medical attention or hospitalisation.
- loss of appetite,
- feeling sick (nausea),
- flatulence or wind,
- a bloated feeling,
- upset stomach.
4.9 Overdose
In the event of overdosage, consult your doctor or pharmacist. If neither is available, contact the nearest hospital or poison centre.
