Folic Acid
Folic Acid is a synthetic form of Vitamin B9 (folate), an essential water-soluble vitamin required for DNA synthesis, red blood cell formation, and amino acid metabolism. It is primarily used to treat and prevent folate deficiency anemia, support healthy pregnancy by preventing neural tube defects in developing fetuses, and address folate deficiency caused by poor diet, certain medications, or malabsorption conditions.
Folic Acid is a B-vitamin supplement used to treat folate deficiency and support red blood cell production, particularly important during pregnancy.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- B03BB01
- RxNorm
- 4511
- Generic
- Folic Acid
- Class
- atc-b03
- Brands
- Ferocon, Ferraplus, Ferrex 150 Forte Plus, Folbecal, Folgard OS, Folivane-F, Hemocyte Plus, Hemax, Icar-C Plus, Folgard, Irospan Tablet, Lactocal, Vitafol-One, NicAzel, MTX Support
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral, sublingual
- Forms
- tablet, capsule, solution, powder
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 1mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 0.5mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 0.8mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesterno adjustment needed
recommended 400-800 mcg daily to prevent neural tube defects
routine prenatal care
pregnancy
second trimesterno adjustment needed
continue supplementation as recommended
routine prenatal care
lactation
breastfeedingno adjustment needed
continue supplementation, passes into breast milk
none required
pediatric_age
neonatesuse under medical supervision
dosing based on weight and medical indication
medical supervision required
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children adolescentsage-appropriate dosing
follow pediatric dosing guidelines
routine pediatric care
geriatric
elderlyno adjustment needed
may have increased requirements
periodic folate level monitoring
renal_impairment
mild to moderateno adjustment needed
water-soluble, excreted renally
monitor folate levels
hepatic_impairment
anyno adjustment needed
metabolism not primarily hepatic
monitor folate levels
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Water-soluble B vitamin essential for DNA synthesis and cell division
Common uses
Primary therapeutic applications for folic acid supplementation
Prescription status
Available without prescription in most formulations for nutritional supplementation
Common adult dosage
Recommended daily allowance for most adults
Treatment and prevention of folate deficiency anemia, megaloblastic anemia, and folate deficiency due to poor nutrition, alcoholism, or malabsorption. Also used during pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects, and sometimes prescribed alongside certain medications like methotrexate or phenytoin to counteract folate depletion.
Folic acid is converted to its active form, tetrahydrofolic acid, which is essential for the synthesis of DNA, RNA, and amino acids. It supports rapid cell division and red blood cell production in bone marrow, helping to correct the megaloblastic anemia caused by folate deficiency.
Generally well-tolerated with few side effects. May mask vitamin B12 deficiency if not properly diagnosed, so B12 levels should be monitored. High doses may interact with certain medications including anticonvulsants and methotrexate. Pregnant and breastfeeding women have increased folate requirements.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy