Simfol

SIMFOL

Generic composition: Folic acid

General Introduction

Simfol contains Folic Acid, a complex organic compound present in liver, yeast and other substances, and which may be prepared synthetically. It is given as a supplement to prevent folic acid deficiency in pregnant women, alcoholics, patients with liver disease, and in certain skin diseases.

Therapeutic category

• Haematinics

Dosage forms available

• SIMFOL 5mg Tablets

Mechanism of action

Folic acid, as it is biochemically inactive, is converted to tetrahydrofolic acid and methyltetrahydrofolate by dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR). These folic acid congeners are transported across cells by receptor-mediated endocytosis where they are needed to maintain normal erythropoiesis, synthesize purine and thymidylate nucleic acids, interconvert amino acids, methylate tRNA, and generate and use formate. Using vitamin B12 as a cofactor, folic acid can normalize high homocysteine levels by remethylation of homocysteine to methionine via methionine synthetase.

Pharmacokinetics

Folic acid is well absorbed, pregnant women may absorb as much as 300-400microgram of folic acid. Normally, 5-20mg of folates is stored in the liver and other tissues. Folates are excreted in the urine and stool. Folic acid deficiency and megaloblastic anemia can develop within 1-6 months after the intake of folic acid stops, depending on the patient’s nutritional status and rate of folate utilization.

Uses

• Megaloblastic anemia due to a deficiency of folic acid
• Megaloblastic anemia of infancy
• Nutritional macrocytic anemia
• Anemia of pregnancy
• Prophylaxis in people having kidney dialysis
• Prevention of anemia in haemolytic conditions, neural tube birth defects.

Dose

• 1 tablet a day.

Side effects

Allergic sensitization has been reported following both oral and parenteral administration of folic acid.

Warnings

Folic acid alone is improper therapy in the treatment of pernicious anemia and other megaloblastic anaemia where Vitamin B₁₂ is deficient.