Actihair 5mg/5mg Tablet: Complete Guide to Uses, Dosage, and Safety
Clinical Reference Standards: CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation), Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) & WHO | Last Updated: September 2026
When to Call Your Doctor IMMEDIATELY
- Swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Severe rash or hives
- Signs of vitamin B12 deficiency (e.g., tingling in hands and feet, memory problems) while on folic acid
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Persistent nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Yellowing of skin or eyes
If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.
What is actihair 5mg/5mg tablet used for?
This medicine is a combination of Biotin 5 mg and Folic Acid 5 mg, used to support hair and nail health and to treat or prevent deficiencies of these vitamins. It is taken orally once daily.
- Generic Name: Biotin + Folic Acid
- Manufacturer: Leeford Healthcare Ltd
- Form: Allopathy
- Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
- Prescription Required: Yes
🇮🇳 actihair 5mg/5mg tablet के बारे में (Hindi Summary)
उपयोग: यह दवा बायोटिन और फोलिक एसिड का संयोजन है, जिसका उपयोग बालों और नाखूनों की सेहत में सुधार के लिए किया जाता है। यह बायोटिन और फोलिक एसिड की कमी को पूरा करने में मदद करती है। गर्भावस्था की योजना बनाने वाली महिलाओं के लिए फोलिक एसिड की सिफारिश की जाती है ताकि बच्चे में न्यूरल ट्यूब डिफेक्ट का खतरा कम हो। यह दवा डॉक्टर की सलाह पर ही लेनी चाहिए।
साइड इफेक्ट्स: यह दवा आमतौर पर सुरक्षित मानी जाती है। कुछ लोगों को हल्की मतली, पेट में गड़बड़ी, या दस्त हो सकते हैं। बायोटिन के अधिक सेवन से कभी-कभी मुँहासे जैसे दाने हो सकते हैं। अगर कोई गंभीर एलर्जी हो जैसे चेहरे, होंठ या गले में सूजन, तो तुरंत डॉक्टर से मिलें।
सुरक्षा सलाह: इस दवा को डॉक्टर के बताए अनुसार ही लें। अपनी मर्जी से मात्रा न बढ़ाएँ। अगर आप गर्भवती हैं या गर्भधारण की योजना बना रही हैं, तो डॉक्टर से सलाह लें। बायोटिन कुछ लैब टेस्ट को प्रभावित कर सकता है, इसलिए टेस्ट से पहले डॉक्टर को बताएं। दवा को ठंडी और सूखी जगह पर रखें। बच्चों की पहुंच से दूर रखें।
💊 actihair 5mg/5mg tablet Uses & Benefits
[{"condition":"Biotin deficiency","description":"This medicine provides biotin to correct or prevent biotin deficiency, which can cause hair thinning, skin rashes, and neurological symptoms.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Folic acid deficiency","description":"This medicine supplies folic acid to treat or prevent folate deficiency, which can lead to megaloblastic anemia and is critical during pregnancy.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Hair and nail health support","description":"Often used as a supplement to improve hair strength, reduce hair fall, and enhance nail growth in individuals with nutritional deficiencies.","evidence":"Limited"},{"condition":"Pregnancy planning and prenatal supplementation","description":"Folic acid is recommended before conception and during early pregnancy to reduce the risk of neural tube defects in the baby.","evidence":"Well-established"}]
Off-label uses: [{"condition":"Brittle nail syndrome","description":"Sometimes used off-label to improve nail plate strength and reduce splitting, though evidence is limited.","evidence":"Limited"},{"condition":"Skin health","description":"Occasionally used to support skin health due to biotin's role in fatty acid metabolism, but clinical evidence is insufficient.","evidence":"Insufficient"}]
Primary treatment for: Nutritional deficiencies (biotin and folic acid)
Also treats: Hair loss, Brittle nails, Megaloblastic anemia due to folate deficiency, Neural tube defects prevention
📋 Drug Information
| Generic Name(s) | Biotin + Folic Acid |
| Brand Name | Actihair 5mg/5mg Tablet |
| Manufacturer | Leeford Healthcare Ltd |
| Packaging / Form | Varies by brand (Allopathy) |
| Therapeutic Class | VITAMINS MINERALS NUTRIENTS |
| Action Class | Vitamins and Minerals |
| Route of Administration | Oral |
| Storage | Store at room temperature between 15°C and 30°C (59°F to 86°F). Protect from light and moisture. Keep in the original container. |
| Shelf Life | 24 months from the date of manufacture. |
| WHO Guideline | The World Health Organization recommends folic acid supplementation for women planning pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects. No specific WHO guideline for biotin supplementation exists. |
| ICMR Guideline | The Indian Council of Medical Research recommends folic acid supplementation for women of reproductive age and during pregnancy. No specific ICMR guideline for biotin supplementation exists. |
👨⚕️ Doctor's Practical Tips
Evidence-based practical advice from experienced clinicians
🔍 Is This Medicine Right for Your Symptom?
Educational reference. Always consult a doctor for diagnosis.
🔬 How This Medicine Works (Pharmacology)
Pharmacokinetics
How It Works
This medicine combines two water-soluble B vitamins that act as coenzymes in various metabolic pathways. Biotin serves as a cofactor for carboxylase enzymes, including pyruvate carboxylase, acetyl-CoA carboxylase, propionyl-CoA carboxylase, and beta-methylcrotonyl-CoA carboxylase. These enzymes are essential for gluconeogenesis, fatty acid synthesis, and amino acid catabolism. In the context of hair and nail health, biotin is thought to strengthen keratin infrastructure, although the exact mechanism is not fully understood. Folic acid, after conversion to tetrahydrofolate, acts as a coenzyme in one-carbon transfer reactions necessary for the synthesis of purines and pyrimidines, which are building blocks of DNA and RNA. It is also involved in the methylation of homocysteine to methionine. This supports cell division and growth, which is particularly important for rapidly dividing tissues such as hair follicles and nail matrix.
Mechanism Steps
💡 How to Take actihair 5mg/5mg tablet
Strength: Each immediate-release tablet contains Biotin 5 mg and Folic Acid 5 mg.
Dosage Information
| Adult Dosage | The usual adult dose of this medicine is one tablet taken orally once daily, or as directed by your physician. The dose may be individualized based on the specific indication, severity of deficiency, and clinical response. For hair and nail health, it is often taken once daily for several months. For folic acid supplementation in pregnancy, the dose may be adjusted by your obstetrician. Do not exceed the recommended dose unless advised by a healthcare professional. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on indication, age, weight, renal and hepatic function. |
| Pediatric Dosage | Pediatric dosing is not established from available information. Consult a pediatrician. |
| Elderly Dosage | No specific dose adjustment is required for elderly patients. However, consult a doctor for individualized dosing. |
| Renal Impairment | No dose adjustment is required for renal impairment, but consult your doctor. |
| Hepatic Impairment | No dose adjustment is required for hepatic impairment, but consult your doctor. |
| Maximum Daily Dose | The maximum daily dose is generally one tablet (biotin 5 mg and folic acid 5 mg) unless otherwise prescribed by a doctor. Higher doses may be prescribed for specific deficiencies under medical supervision. |
Dosage Timeline
🍽️ Food Timing Guide
⏰ What to Do If You Miss a Dose
⚠️ Side Effects of actihair 5mg/5mg tablet
✅ Common Side Effects
🚨 Serious Side Effects
⚠️ Rare Side Effects
Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.
🔬 Drug Interactions
| Drug | Severity | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Phenytoin | Major | |
| Methotrexate | Major | |
| Trimethoprim | Major | |
| Sulfasalazine | Moderate | |
| Oral contraceptives | Moderate | |
| Alcohol | Moderate | |
| Antacids | Minor | |
| Cholestyramine | Minor |
🚨 Major Interactions
- Anticonvulsants (e.g., phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital)
- Methotrexate
- Trimethoprim and Pyrimethamine
⚡ Moderate Interactions
- Sulfasalazine
- Oral contraceptives
- Alcohol
🍷 Alcohol Interaction
Chronic excessive alcohol consumption can reduce the absorption and metabolism of folic acid, potentially leading to deficiency. It is advisable to limit alcohol intake while taking this medicine.
🔎 Check Your Other Medicines
Educational tool. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.
🛡️ Safety & Warnings
🚫 Contraindications
["Hypersensitivity to biotin or folic acid","Untreated megaloblastic anemia due to vitamin B12 deficiency (folic acid may mask B12 deficiency)"]
⚠️ Warnings & Precautions
["Biotin can interfere with laboratory tests, including thyroid function tests and cardiac troponin. Inform your healthcare provider before any blood tests.","Folic acid may mask vitamin B12 deficiency. Ensure B12 levels are checked if you have symptoms of deficiency.","Do not exceed the recommended dose without medical supervision.","If you have a history of seizures, consult your doctor as folic acid may interact with anticonvulsants.","If you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, consult your doctor for appropriate dosing."]
🤱 Lactation Safety
Both biotin and folic acid are excreted in breast milk and are considered safe during breastfeeding. However, consult your doctor before use.
💊 Overdose Management
Overdose with this medicine is unlikely to cause serious harm due to the water-soluble nature of biotin and folic acid. However, if a large amount is ingested, seek medical attention. Treatment is supportive and symptomatic.
⏰ Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Additional Safety Advice
Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not exceed the recommended dose. Inform your doctor about all other medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking, as biotin can interfere with certain laboratory tests, including thyroid function tests and cardiac troponin assays. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, consult your doctor before use, as folic acid is beneficial but the dose may need adjustment. If you are breastfeeding, consult your doctor. Keep this medicine out of reach of children. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Do not use if the packaging is damaged or the expiry date has passed. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, but skip it if it is almost time for the next dose. Do not double the dose. If you experience any allergic reaction, stop the medicine and seek medical help immediately.
👴 Special Considerations for Elderly
💡 For Patients Above 65
Elderly patients may have a higher risk of vitamin deficiencies due to reduced absorption or dietary intake. This medicine can be used safely, but consult a doctor for appropriate dosing.
🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)
Folic acid is essential before conception to prevent neural tube defects. If you are planning pregnancy, start this medicine at least one month before trying to conceive, under medical supervision.
🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations
No specific restrictions. Inform your surgeon about all supplements you are taking before surgery.
🦷 Dental Procedures
No specific precautions. Continue taking this medicine as usual unless advised otherwise by your dentist or doctor.
💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results
🏋️ Exercise Considerations
No specific exercise restrictions are associated with this medicine. However, if you experience dizziness or fatigue due to deficiency, avoid strenuous activities until you feel better.
🥗 Diet Recommendations
💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life
This medicine is unlikely to affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. It is generally safe to continue your daily activities.
🛑 When to Stop This Medicine
Do not stop taking this medicine without consulting your doctor, especially if you are taking it for a specific deficiency or during pregnancy. Your doctor will advise when to stop based on your condition and blood test results.
📅 Long-Term Use Effects
Long-term use of this medicine at recommended doses is generally safe. Biotin and folic acid are water-soluble vitamins, and excess amounts are excreted in urine. However, prolonged high-dose biotin may interfere with laboratory tests. Regular monitoring of vitamin levels may be advised if you have ongoing deficiency. Consult your doctor for periodic review.
🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches
These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.
Increasing intake of biotin- and folate-rich foods can help correct mild deficiencies.
Evidence: Well-establishedIndividual biotin or folic acid supplements may be used if only one vitamin is deficient.
Evidence: Well-established💉 Vaccination Considerations
💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated
No known interactions between this medicine and vaccines. You can receive vaccinations as scheduled.
📦 Storage Guide
✅ DO
Store at room temperature (15-30°C)
❌ DON'T
Do not refrigerate unless specified
✅ DO
Keep in original container
❌ DON'T
Do not transfer to unmarked containers
✅ DO
Keep away from direct sunlight
❌ DON'T
Do not store in bathroom cabinet
✈️ Traveling with This Medicine
When traveling, carry this medicine in its original packaging with a copy of your prescription. Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. If crossing time zones, continue taking your dose at the same local time each day. Keep it in your carry-on luggage to avoid loss or temperature extremes. Check customs regulations for bringing supplements into your destination country.
💰 Cost Analysis & Savings
👥 Real Patient Stories
Educational, anonymized scenarios. Individual results may vary.
💬 Questions Patients Often Ask
A: For hair and nail benefits, it may take several weeks to months of consistent use. For correcting deficiency, improvement may be seen within weeks.
A: It is best to take this medicine under medical supervision, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are pregnant.
A: Yes, both biotin and folic acid are considered safe during pregnancy at recommended doses. Folic acid is particularly important for preventing neural tube defects.
A: Take it as soon as you remember, but skip if it's almost time for the next dose. Do not double dose.
🤔 Common Patient Concerns
🔄 Substitutes for actihair 5mg/5mg tablet
View AllAlternative brands with exact same active ingredient:
Medical Note: Always consult your doctor before switching medications.
🛑 Myths vs. Facts
- Myth: Actihair can cure all types of hair loss.
Fact: This medicine is only effective for hair loss caused by biotin or folic acid deficiency. Other causes require different treatments. - Myth: Taking more Actihair will make hair grow faster.
Fact: Exceeding the recommended dose does not improve results and may cause side effects. - Myth: Actihair is a cosmetic product and does not need a prescription.
Fact: This medicine is a therapeutic supplement and should be taken under medical supervision.
🔄 Alternative Options
Generic Alternatives
- Biotin 5 mg + Folic Acid 5 mg tablet (various manufacturers)
Brand Alternatives
- Actihair 5mg/5mg tablet