How To Use Folic Acid

Folic acid comes in the form of a tablet or injection solution. Your doctor will give you the injection if needed. If you are taking the tablets, take folic acid daily as prescribed by your doctor or as indicated on the package label. Do not take more folic acid than directed. The dose of folic acid and the number of doses you take every day will vary according to your age and the medical problem for which you are taking the supplement.

Folic acid supplements are available over-the-counter without a doctor’s prescription. Check with your doctor how much folic acid you should take. Most people do not need vitamin supplements. The US government requires mandatory folic acid fortification of many foods as part of a folate fortification program. Eating these fortified foods and naturally rich food sources of folate is usually enough. 

Many multivitamins and B vitamins supplements contain folic acid and vitamin B12. Check the labels of your vitamin supplementation (multivitamin or only folic acid) as well as labels of fortified foods so that you do not exceed the maximum tolerable upper intake level of folate. Too much folic acid can be harmful. The maximum dose of added folic acid from supplements and food fortification is 300 mcg for 1-3-year-olds, 400 mcg for 4-8-year-olds, 600 mcg for 9-13-year-olds, 800 mcg for 14-18-year-olds, and 1,000 mcg a day for adults.

Missed dose: If you miss a dose of your folic acid supplement, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next scheduled dose according to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take extra folic acid to make up for a missed dose.

Storage: Store folic acid at room temperature between 15-30° C or 59-86° F, away from moisture, heat, and direct light in a tightly closed container. Do not store medications in bathroom cabinets where they can be exposed to moisture and heat. Keep all medications safely out of reach of children and pets.

Unused medicine: Dispose of unused folic acid in a way that children, other people, and pets cannot get to them. Do not throw folic acid in the trash or toilet. The safest way to dispose of expired or unneeded folic acid is through a drug take-back program. Learn more about proper medication disposal. 

NOTE: This medication guide is a summary and may not contain all possible drug information on folic acid. The information contained here may not be up-to-date. This sheet is for information purposes only. If you have questions about folic acid, talk to your doctor or pharmacist for medical advice.

Discounted prices for folic acid
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