Folbiol Tablet

(1 customer review)

Folic acid, a water-soluble B-vitamin fundamental to a wide array of physiological and biochemical processes essential for human health, is available in the United Kingdom in the synthetic form of Folbiol Tablet, a widely prescribed medication in clinical practice for both prophylactic and therapeutic applications. This formulation plays a crucial role in supporting hematological and cellular functions, particularly in individuals experiencing folate-deficiency states or requiring augmented folic acid intake due to specific physiological demands, such as during pregnancy.

read more
Dosage form

Pack size

Potency

5 Mg

Manufacturer

Origin

Generic Name (Ingredient)

Active Substance: Each Tablet Contains 5.0 Mg Of Folic Acid.

Assuming you’re in a life-threatening situation and require immediate access to medication, please visit our Community Support Network page.


Description

Folbiol tablet is a pharmaceutical preparation containing folic acid (vitamin B9) as its active ingredient, primarily marketed in Turkey. This medication plays a crucial role in various physiological processes and is prescribed for both therapeutic and preventive purposes. This comprehensive overview examines Folbiol’s composition, mechanism of action, clinical applications, dosage guidelines, and safety profile to provide healthcare professionals and patients with essential information about this important medication.

Composition and Pharmaceutical Properties

Folbiol is available as a yellow, round tablet with one side scored, containing 5 mg of folic acid as the active pharmaceutical ingredient. The excipients include lactose monohydrate (of bovine milk origin), corn starch, primojel, talc, and magnesium stearate. These inactive components assist in the tablet’s stability, disintegration, and absorption characteristics. The medication is typically dispensed in blister packages containing 50 tablets and requires proper storage conditions to maintain its efficacy.

Pharmacological Mechanism of Action

Folic acid, the active component in Folbiol, functions as a crucial vitamin that undergoes conversion in the body to its biologically active forms-tetrahydrofolic acid and methyltetrahydrofolate-through the enzymatic action of dihydrofolate reductase. These metabolically active derivatives serve as essential cofactors in single-carbon transfer reactions within the human body, contributing significantly to several biochemical processes.

The primary biochemical functions of folic acid include facilitating the synthesis of purines and thymidylate, which are integral components of DNA and RNA synthesis. This role makes folic acid indispensable for nucleoprotein formation and effective erythropoiesis (red blood cell production). Additionally, folic acid facilitates the interconversion of amino acids, supports the methylation of transfer RNA (tRNA), and assists in the generation and utilization of formate, a key intermediate in cellular metabolism7. These metabolic activities establish Folbiol as a critical component in maintaining normal blood cell production, especially under conditions of folate deficiency.

Therapeutic Indications

Treatment of Megaloblastic Anemia

Folbiol tablet is primarily indicated for the treatment of megaloblastic anemia resulting from folic acid deficiency. This condition is characterized by the production of abnormally large, structurally altered red blood cells due to impaired DNA synthesis. By correcting the underlying folate deficiency, Folbiol helps restore normal erythropoiesis and reverses the hematological abnormalities associated with this type of anemia.

Nutritional Deficiencies and Malabsorption Syndromes

The medication is effective in addressing folate deficiencies stemming from nutritional inadequacies or malabsorption syndromes. It is specifically indicated for conditions like tropical or non-tropical sprue (celiac disease), where intestinal absorption of nutrients, including folate, is compromised. In these cases, Folbiol helps overcome the absorption deficit by providing a pharmaceutical-grade source of folic acid.

Prenatal and Perinatal Care

Perhaps one of the most critical applications of Folbiol tablet is in prenatal care. Adequate folate levels are essential during pregnancy, particularly in the early stages, to prevent neural tube defects in the developing fetus. Healthcare providers often recommend folic acid supplementation for women of childbearing age who are planning pregnancy, ideally starting three months before conception and continuing through the first trimester.

Supportive Therapy in Chronic Conditions

Folbiol serves as an important adjunctive therapy in chronic hemolytic states such as thalassemia major or sickle cell anemia. In these conditions, the accelerated destruction of red blood cells creates an increased demand for folate to support enhanced erythropoiesis, making supplementation necessary to prevent secondary folate deficiency.

Dosage Guidelines and Administration

The dosage of Folbiol varies according to the specific clinical indication and individual patient requirements. For the treatment of megaloblastic anemia due to folate deficiency, the standard adult dosage is 5 mg (one tablet) daily for a period of 4 months. In cases of severe deficiency or malabsorption syndromes, the dosage may be increased up to 15 mg (three tablets) daily.

For prophylaxis in chronic hemolytic states such as thalassemia or sickle cell anemia, a dosage of 5 mg daily or weekly may be prescribed, depending on the severity of the condition and individual needs. In prenatal care for the prevention of neural tube defects, the recommended regimen typically involves starting supplementation at least three months before conception and continuing through the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.

The medication is administered orally and can be taken with or without food, although taking it with meals may help mitigate potential gastrointestinal discomfort. For pediatric patients, dosage adjustments are made based on age:

  • Infants: 0.1 mg daily

  • Children under 4 years: 0.3 mg daily

  • Children 4 years and older: 0.4 mg daily

Side Effects

While Folbiol is generally well-tolerated, certain adverse effects may occur, particularly at higher doses. Common side effects include gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea, loss of appetite, bloating, gas, and stomach pain. Some patients may experience a bitter or unpleasant taste in the mouth. Neurological effects, though less common, may include confusion or trouble concentrating, sleep problems, and mood changes such as depression or excitement.

Serious Adverse Reactions

Serious adverse reactions to Folbiol tablet are rare but warrant immediate medical attention. Allergic reactions may manifest as hives, rash, itching, skin redness, wheezing, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. Folic acid supplementation may increase the risk of seizures in some patients with epilepsy who are receiving anticonvulsant medications such as phenobarbital, primidone, or diphenylhydantoin.

An important consideration is that prolonged high-dose folic acid therapy may mask the hematological manifestations of vitamin B12 deficiency while allowing neurological damage to progress unchecked. Therefore, it is essential to rule out vitamin B12 deficiency before initiating folate therapy for megaloblastic anemia.

Contraindications and Precautions

Folbiol is contraindicated in individuals with known hypersensitivity to folic acid or any of the excipients in the formulation. It should not be used in untreated cobalamin (vitamin B12) deficiency, as folic acid supplementation can mask the hematological manifestations of B12 deficiency while allowing neurological complications to progress.

Caution is advised when administering Folbiol to patients with epilepsy, as it may lower seizure thresholds in some individuals. Additionally, the medication should be used with caution in patients potentially harboring folate-dependent tumors, as there are theoretical concerns about stimulating tumor growth.

Since Folbiol contains lactose, patients with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, lactase deficiency, or glucose-galactose malabsorption should exercise caution when using this medication.

Drug Interactions

Several medications may interact with Folbiol, potentially affecting its efficacy or metabolism. Phenytoin, methotrexate, sulfasalazine, and trimethoprim may interact with folic acid, potentially reducing its effectiveness or altering drug metabolism7. Similarly, chloramphenicol and co-trimoxazole can reduce the efficacy of Folbiol.

Patients receiving anticonvulsant therapy should be monitored closely when starting folic acid supplementation, as it may affect seizure control. Healthcare providers should conduct a comprehensive review of all concurrent medications before initiating Folbiol tablet therapy to minimize the risk of adverse interactions.

Key Information

Parameter Details
Active Ingredient Folic Acid (5 mg)
Dosage Form Yellow, round tablet with one side scored
Primary Uses Treatment of megaloblastic anemia, Folic acid deficiency, Prevention of neural tube defects, Support in chronic hemolytic states
Standard Dosage Adults: 5 mg daily for 4 months (for megaloblastic anemia)
Pregnancy: 5 mg daily (before conception and during first trimester)
Children: Age-dependent doses (0.1-0.4 mg)
Common Side Effects Nausea, loss of appetite, bloating, gas, stomach pain, bitter taste in mouth
Serious Side Effects Allergic reactions, increased seizure risk in epilepsy patients
Contraindications Hypersensitivity to ingredients, Untreated vitamin B12 deficiency
Drug Interactions Phenytoin, methotrexate, sulfasalazine, trimethoprim, chloramphenicol, co-trimoxazole
Storage Conditions Below 25°C in original packaging
Prescription Status Prescription medication (white prescription in Turkey)

Conclusion

Folbiol represents an important pharmaceutical intervention for addressing folate deficiency and its clinical manifestations. Its primary active ingredient, folic acid, plays a crucial role in cellular metabolism, DNA synthesis, and erythropoiesis. The medication is particularly valuable in treating megaloblastic anemia, supporting patients with malabsorption syndromes, and preventing congenital neural tube defects when used appropriately during pregnancy.

While generally safe and well-tolerated, Folbiol should be prescribed with attention to potential contraindications, drug interactions, and individual patient factors. Healthcare providers should ensure appropriate diagnosis before initiating therapy and monitor patients during treatment to optimize outcomes and minimize adverse effects. As with all medications, patient education regarding proper usage, potential side effects, and the importance of adherence to the prescribed regimen is essential for achieving optimal therapeutic benefits from Folbiol.

1 review for Folbiol Tablet

  1. Salome

    can I take it while pregnant?

    • Medical Guidance Center

      Hello Salome, this is WikiKenko.

      Folbiol is available as an over-the-counter supplement, it can be taken during pregnancy. In fact, it is recommended to take a 400 micrograms Folbiol tablet every day before you’re pregnant and until you’re 12 weeks pregnant. The recommended daily allowance of Folbiol during pregnancy is 400 to 800 mcg/day.
      However, it is always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new medication or supplement to ensure that it is safe and appropriate for you and your child.

Add a review

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Use the form below to report an error

Please answer the questions as thoroughly and accurately as possible. Your answers will help us better understand what kind of mistakes happen, why and where they happen, and in the end the purpose is to build a better archive to guide researchers and professionals around the world.


If an image of the drug is not available on the Wikikenko health encyclopedia, you have the option to submit images/leaflets of the product. Following verification by our pharmaceutical specialist, your submitted images/leaflets will be included in our archive, with due acknowledgment of your contribution. Your cooperation in this matter would greatly assist researchers in finding the information they seek. Upload Images/Leaflet (Less than 2MB)

No Choosen File
(Max 2 MB)

Wikikenko.com does not sell, distribute, or provide any pharmaceutical products or health services. Our platform functions solely as a health encyclopedia, providing information on a wide range of health topics, including but not limited to medications.


Medical Disclaimer: Seek Professional Advice

The information on this page is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. always seek the advice for your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Always remember to

  1. Ask your own doctor for medical advice.
  2. Names, brands, and dosage may differ between countries.
  3. When not feeling well, or experiencing side effects always contact your own doctor.

Why you can't look for symptoms on the Internet

If diagnoses could be made simply from a textbook or an article on a website, we would all be doctors and treat ourselves. Nothing can replace the experience and knowledge of specially trained people. As in any field, in medicine there are unscrupulous specialists, differences of opinion, inaccurate diagnoses and incorrect test results. According to Wikipedia, cyberchondria is a mental disorder consisting in the desire to independently make a diagnosis based on the symptoms of diseases described on Internet sites.

 

People also search for…


More results…

Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors

The expert search feature is especially useful for healthcare professionals, researchers, and scientists who require accurate and up-to-date information on pharmaceutical products. By narrowing down their searches using filters, they can easily access the relevant data they need, making informed decisions about treatment options or drug research endeavors.

Expert Search  →


Recent comments