Alfolate 7.5 Tablet (l-methyl Folate 7.5 Mg): Complete Medicine Guide
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 the face, lips, tongue, or throat, or difficulty breathing.
- Widespread skin rash, hives, or severe itching.
- New or worsening numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hands or feet.
- Unusual tiredness, pale skin, or shortness of breath that gets worse.
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice).
- Seizures or loss of consciousness.
- Severe stomach pain or persistent vomiting.
If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.
What is alfolate 7.5 tablet used for?
This medicine contains L-Methyl Folate 7.5 mg, the active form of folate. It is used to treat folate deficiency, lower high homocysteine levels, and support people with MTHFR gene variations. It is taken orally, usually once daily, and should be used under medical supervision.
- Generic Name: L-Methyl Folate
- Manufacturer: Racoon Pharmaceutical
- Form: Allopathy
- Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
- Prescription Required: Yes
🇮🇳 alfolate 7.5 tablet के बारे में (Hindi Summary)
उपयोग: यह दवा L-मिथाइल फोलेट 7.5 मिलीग्राम की एक गोली है, जो शरीर में फोलेट की कमी को पूरा करने के लिए दी जाती है। यह आमतौर पर खून की कमी (एनीमिया), हाई होमोसिस्टीन लेवल, और MTHFR जीन म्यूटेशन वाले मरीजों में इस्तेमाल की जाती है। यह गर्भावस्था से पहले और दौरान भी डॉक्टर की सलाह पर ली जा सकती है। यह दवा लाल रक्त कोशिकाओं के निर्माण में मदद करती है और शरीर की कोशिकाओं को स्वस्थ रखने में सहायक है। इसे डॉक्टर के बताए अनुसार ही लें, अपने मन से डोज न बदलें।
साइड इफेक्ट्स: इस दवा को लेने पर आमतौर पर हल्के दुष्प्रभाव ही होते हैं, जैसे जी मिचलाना, पेट में हल्की असुविधा, सूजन, या भूख में बदलाव। कुछ लोगों को सिरदर्द या चिड़चिड़ापन भी महसूस हो सकता है। गंभीर दुष्प्रभाव बहुत कम होते हैं, लेकिन अगर चेहरे, होंठ या गले में सूजन, सांस लेने में तकलीफ, या पूरे शरीर पर दाने निकल आएं, तो तुरंत डॉक्टर से मिलें।
सुरक्षा सलाह: इस दवा को डॉक्टर के बताए अनुसार ही लें। इसे पानी के साथ निगलें, चबाएं नहीं। इसे भोजन के साथ लेने से पेट की तकलीफ कम हो सकती है। अगर आपको विटामिन B12 की कमी है, तो डॉक्टर को जरूर बताएं, क्योंकि यह दवा B12 की कमी को छिपा सकती है। गर्भवती या स्तनपान कराने वाली महिलाएं डॉक्टर की सलाह के बिना इसका इस्तेमाल न करें। इसे बच्चों की पहुंच से दूर रखें।
💊 alfolate 7.5 tablet Uses & Benefits
[{"condition":"Folate deficiency","description":"This medicine provides the active form of folate to correct low folate levels in the blood, which can cause tiredness, mouth sores, and certain types of anaemia.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Hyperhomocysteinemia","description":"This medicine helps lower elevated homocysteine levels, which are linked to a higher risk of heart disease and stroke.","evidence":"Moderate"},{"condition":"MTHFR gene mutation support","description":"People with certain MTHFR gene variants may not convert regular folic acid efficiently, so this active form is used to bypass that step.","evidence":"Limited"},{"condition":"Preconception and pregnancy supplementation","description":"This medicine may be used to support healthy folate levels before and during early pregnancy to help prevent neural tube defects in the baby.","evidence":"Well-established for folic acid; limited for L-Methyl Folate specifically"}]
Off-label uses: [{"condition":"Depression augmentation","description":"Sometimes added to antidepressant therapy to improve response, especially in patients with low folate levels.","evidence":"Limited"},{"condition":"Cognitive decline in elderly","description":"Occasionally used to support brain health in older adults with low folate, but evidence is not strong.","evidence":"Limited"}]
Primary treatment for: Folate deficiency
Also treats: Hyperhomocysteinemia, MTHFR gene mutation, Megaloblastic anaemia due to folate deficiency
📋 Drug Information
| Generic Name(s) | L-Methyl Folate |
| Brand Name | Alfolate 7.5 Tablet |
| Manufacturer | Racoon Pharmaceutical |
| Packaging / Form | Varies by brand (Allopathy) |
| Therapeutic Class | VITAMINS MINERALS NUTRIENTS |
| Action Class | Vitamins |
| Route of Administration | Oral |
| Storage | Store at room temperature between 15°C and 30°C in a dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep the tablets in their original container. |
| Shelf Life | 24 months from the date of manufacture, or as printed on the pack. |
| WHO Guideline | The World Health Organization recommends folic acid supplementation for women planning pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects. L-Methyl Folate is an alternative form, but specific WHO recommendations for this exact form are not established from the available information. |
| ICMR Guideline | The Indian Council of Medical Research recommends folic acid supplementation for women of childbearing age and during pregnancy. Specific guidelines for L-Methyl Folate 7.5 mg are not established from the available information. |
👨⚕️ 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
L-Methyl Folate is the active coenzyme form of folate. It works as a methyl-group donor in the conversion of homocysteine to methionine, a reaction catalysed by methionine synthase. By providing the active form directly, it bypasses the need for the enzyme MTHFR, which some people have in a less active form. This helps maintain normal DNA synthesis, repair, and methylation reactions, and supports the production of red blood cells and certain neurotransmitters.
Mechanism Steps
💡 How to Take alfolate 7.5 tablet
Strength: Tablet, 7.5 mg
Dosage Information
| Adult Dosage | The usual adult dose of this medicine is 7.5 mg once daily, but the exact dose and duration depend on the reason for use, your blood test results, and your overall health. For folate deficiency, your doctor may prescribe 7.5 mg daily for several weeks. For hyperhomocysteinemia, the dose may be similar. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on indication, age, weight, renal and hepatic function. Do not change the dose without consulting your doctor. |
| Pediatric Dosage | Pediatric dosing is not established from available information. Consult a pediatrician. |
| Elderly Dosage | Older adults can usually take the same adult dose, but your doctor may adjust it based on kidney function and other medicines you are taking. Regular monitoring is advised. |
| Renal Impairment | No specific dose adjustment is established for mild to moderate kidney disease. In severe kidney disease, use with caution and follow your doctor's advice. |
| Hepatic Impairment | No specific dose adjustment is established for liver disease. Use as directed by your doctor. |
| Maximum Daily Dose | The maximum recommended daily dose is 7.5 mg, but higher doses may be prescribed by a doctor in special situations. Do not exceed the dose prescribed by your doctor. |
Dosage Timeline
🍽️ Food Timing Guide
⏰ What to Do If You Miss a Dose
⚠️ Side Effects of alfolate 7.5 tablet
✅ Common Side Effects
🚨 Serious Side Effects
⚠️ Rare Side Effects
Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.
🔬 Drug Interactions
| Drug | Severity | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Methotrexate | Major | |
| Phenytoin | Major | |
| Sulfasalazine | Moderate | |
| Trimethoprim | Moderate | |
| Pyrimethamine | Moderate | |
| Antacids (aluminium/magnesium) | Minor | |
| Cholestyramine | Minor |
🚨 Major Interactions
- Methotrexate
- Phenytoin
- Sulfasalazine
⚡ Moderate Interactions
- Trimethoprim
- Pyrimethamine
🍷 Alcohol Interaction
Drinking alcohol regularly can lower folate levels and may reduce the effectiveness of this medicine. It is best to avoid alcohol or limit it to occasional small amounts while taking this medicine.
🔎 Check Your Other Medicines
Educational tool. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.
🛡️ Safety & Warnings
🚫 Contraindications
["Known allergy to L-Methyl Folate or any ingredient in the tablet","Untreated vitamin B12 deficiency (can mask symptoms and allow nerve damage to progress)","Use with methotrexate for cancer treatment without medical supervision"]
⚠️ Warnings & Precautions
["Do not use this medicine to treat anaemia without confirming the cause, as it can mask vitamin B12 deficiency.","If you have a history of seizures, tell your doctor, as folate can interact with anti-seizure medicines.","If you are taking methotrexate for cancer or autoimmune disease, do not take this medicine without your doctor's approval.","Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding.","Do not exceed the prescribed dose, as high doses may cause side effects.","Keep out of reach of children."]
🤱 Lactation Safety
L-Methyl Folate is present in breast milk and is considered safe for breastfeeding mothers when taken at recommended doses. Consult your doctor before use.
💊 Overdose Management
Taking too much L-Methyl Folate is unlikely to cause serious harm, but it may cause stomach upset, nausea, or irritability. If you suspect a large overdose, contact your doctor or a poison control centre immediately. 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 take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Additional Safety Advice
Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not increase or decrease the dose on your own. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water, preferably with a meal to reduce stomach upset. If you have a history of vitamin B12 deficiency, make sure your doctor knows about it, because taking L-Methyl Folate alone can hide the signs of B12 deficiency while the underlying nerve damage continues. Before starting this medicine, tell your doctor about all other medicines, supplements, and herbal products you are taking, especially methotrexate, phenytoin, or sulfasalazine. If you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding, consult your doctor before using this medicine. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children. Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Do not use the medicine after the expiry date printed on the pack. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, but if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one.
👴 Special Considerations for Elderly
💡 For Patients Above 65
Older adults may be more likely to have low folate levels due to poor diet, reduced absorption, or other medicines. This medicine is generally safe, but your doctor may monitor your kidney function and vitamin B12 levels more closely. Falls and balance problems should be reported, as they may be a sign of B12 deficiency.
🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)
If you are planning to become pregnant, talk to your doctor about folate supplementation. L-Methyl Folate may be recommended for women with MTHFR mutations or those who cannot efficiently use folic acid. The dose and duration will be decided by your doctor. Adequate folate before conception and during early pregnancy helps prevent neural tube defects in the baby.
🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations
After surgery, your doctor may check your folate levels and prescribe this medicine if needed. It is generally safe to continue, but always inform your surgeon and anaesthesiologist about all medicines you are taking before any operation.
🦷 Dental Procedures
There are no specific precautions for dental procedures while taking this medicine. However, inform your dentist about all medicines you are taking. If you have anaemia, you may need to take extra care to prevent bleeding during dental work.
💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results
🏋️ Exercise Considerations
There are no specific exercise restrictions while taking this medicine. However, if you have anaemia, you may feel tired or short of breath during exercise. Start slowly and gradually increase activity as your energy improves. Consult your doctor before starting any new exercise programme.
🥗 Diet Recommendations
💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life
This medicine is unlikely to affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. It does not cause drowsiness. You can continue your normal work and daily activities. If you feel unusually tired due to anaemia, take rest as needed and inform your doctor.
🛑 When to Stop This Medicine
Do not stop taking this medicine without consulting your doctor. Your doctor will decide when to stop based on your blood test results and the reason you were prescribed it. If you experience any serious side effect, stop the medicine and seek medical advice immediately.
📅 Long-Term Use Effects
Long-term use of L-Methyl Folate at prescribed doses is generally considered safe. However, high doses over a long period may mask vitamin B12 deficiency, so regular monitoring of B12 levels is important. Some studies suggest that very high folate levels may have unknown effects, but this is not firmly established. Your doctor will monitor your blood levels and adjust the dose as needed.
🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches
These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.
Increasing intake of natural folate-rich foods can help maintain folate levels.
Evidence: Well-establishedRegular folic acid is an alternative for people who can convert it efficiently.
Evidence: Well-establishedIf B12 deficiency is also present, it must be treated alongside folate.
Evidence: Well-established💉 Vaccination Considerations
💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated
There are no known interactions between this medicine and vaccines. You can receive vaccinations as scheduled. However, always inform your healthcare provider about all medicines you are taking before any vaccination.
📦 Storage Guide
✅ DO
Store at room temperature (15-30°C) in a dry place.
❌ DON'T
Do not store in the bathroom or near a sink.
✅ DO
Keep the tablets in their original container with the lid tightly closed.
❌ DON'T
Do not transfer to unmarked containers.
✅ DO
Keep away from direct sunlight and heat.
❌ DON'T
Do not refrigerate unless specifically instructed.
✅ DO
Keep out of reach of children and pets.
❌ DON'T
Do not use after the expiry date.
✈️ Traveling with This Medicine
When travelling, carry this medicine in its original packaging with the prescription label clearly visible. Bring a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor, especially for international travel. Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. If you are crossing time zones, you can usually take your daily dose at the same time each day according to your new local time, but consult your doctor if you are unsure. Keep enough supply for your entire trip and carry it in your hand luggage to avoid loss.
💰 Cost Analysis & Savings
👥 Real Patient Stories
Educational, anonymized scenarios. Individual results may vary.
💬 Questions Patients Often Ask
A: Folate levels in the blood begin to rise within hours, but it may take several weeks to notice improvement in symptoms like fatigue or mouth ulcers. Follow-up blood tests are usually done after 4-8 weeks.
A: You should not take both without your doctor's advice, as it may lead to excessive folate intake. Your doctor will decide which form and dose is best for you.
A: Folate is important during pregnancy, but the exact form and dose should be discussed with your doctor. L-Methyl Folate may be recommended for women who cannot efficiently convert folic acid.
A: If you remember within 12 hours, take the missed dose. If more than 12 hours have passed, skip it and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
A: Do not stop without consulting your doctor. Your doctor will decide when it is safe to stop based on your blood test results and overall condition.
🤔 Common Patient Concerns
🛑 Myths vs. Facts
- Myth: L-Methyl Folate is the same as folic acid.
Fact: L-Methyl Folate is the active form of folate, while folic acid needs to be converted by the body. Some people with MTHFR mutations may not convert folic acid efficiently. - Myth: Taking L-Methyl Folate can replace a healthy diet.
Fact: It is a supplement and should be used along with a balanced diet rich in natural folates. - Myth: More L-Methyl Folate is always better.
Fact: High doses should only be taken under medical supervision, as they can cause side effects and may interact with other medicines.
🔄 Alternative Options
Generic Alternatives
- L-Methyl Folate 7.5 mg tablet (various manufacturers)
Brand Alternatives
- Alfolate 7.5 Tablet