Alfolic 5mg Tablet: Complete Guide to Uses, Dosage, and Safety
When to Call Your Doctor IMMEDIATELY
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, or difficulty breathing.
- A widespread rash, hives, or severe itching.
- New or worsening numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hands or feet.
- Unusual paleness, severe tiredness, or shortness of breath that gets worse.
- Confusion, memory problems, or difficulty walking, especially in older adults.
- Blood in vomit or stool, or black tarry stools.
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes.
If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.
What is icefol 5mg tablet used for?
This medicine contains folic acid 5 mg, a B vitamin used to treat folate deficiency and to help prevent birth defects of the brain and spine when taken before and during early pregnancy. It is usually taken once daily by mouth, with or without food. Do not take more than prescribed, and tell your doctor if you have vitamin B12 deficiency.
- Generic Name: Folic Acid (5mg)
- Manufacturer: Stalwart Remedies Pvt Ltd
- Form: Allopathy
- Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
- Prescription Required: Yes
🇮🇳 icefol 5mg tablet के बारे में (Hindi Summary)
उपयोग: यह दवा फोलिक एसिड 5 मिलीग्राम की गोली है, जो शरीर में फोलेट की कमी को पूरा करने के लिए दी जाती है। यह लाल रक्त कोशिकाओं के निर्माण में मदद करती है और खून की कमी (एनीमिया) को सुधारती है। गर्भवती होने से पहले और गर्भावस्था के शुरुआती महीनों में यह दवा बच्चे के मस्तिष्क और रीढ़ की हड्डी से जुड़े जन्मजात दोषों का खतरा कम करती है। कुछ दवाएं जैसे मेथोट्रेक्सेट, फेनिटोइन या ट्राइमेथोप्रिम शरीर में फोलेट को कम कर सकती हैं, ऐसे में डॉक्टर इस दवा की सलाह देते हैं। यह दवा आमतौर पर दिन में एक बार मुंह से ली जाती है। डॉक्टर की सलाह के बिना इसकी मात्रा न बढ़ाएं।
साइड इफेक्ट्स: इस दवा को ज्यादातर लोग अच्छी तरह सहन करते हैं। कुछ लोगों को हल्की मतली, पेट में गैस या भारीपन, भूख कम लगना और मुंह का स्वाद बदलना महसूस हो सकता है। ये आमतौर पर हल्के होते हैं और कुछ समय में ठीक हो जाते हैं। कभी-कभी त्वचा पर चकत्ते, खुजली या दस्त हो सकते हैं। बहुत कम लोगों को सांस लेने में तकलीफ, चेहरे या होंठों में सूजन जैसी गंभीर एलर्जी हो सकती है, ऐसी स्थिति में तुरंत डॉक्टर से मिलें। अगर कोई भी परेशानी लंबे समय तक बनी रहे तो डॉक्टर या फार्मासिस्ट से बात करें।
सुरक्षा सलाह: इस दवा को डॉक्टर के बताए अनुसार ही लें। गोली को पानी के साथ पूरी निगलें, इसे खाने के साथ या खाने के बिना भी लिया जा सकता है। अपनी मर्जी से मात्रा न बढ़ाएं, क्योंकि बहुत ज्यादा फोलिक एसिड विटामिन बी12 की कमी को छिपा सकता है। अगर आपको किडनी, लिवर या मिर्गी की बीमारी है, या विटामिन बी12 की कमी है, तो डॉक्टर को जरूर बताएं। गर्भावस्था की योजना बना रही महिलाएं डॉक्टर से सही मात्रा और अवधि पूछ लें। कोई भी नई दवा या सप्लीमेंट शुरू करने से पहले डॉक्टर या फार्मासिस्ट से सलाह लें। इस दवा को बच्चों की पहुंच से दूर रखें।
💊 icefol 5mg tablet Uses & Benefits
[{"condition":"Folate deficiency","description":"Treats low folate levels that can cause tiredness, mouth sores, and a type of anemia with large red blood cells.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Prevention of neural tube defects","description":"Taken before conception and during early pregnancy to lower the risk of birth defects of the baby's brain and spine.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Folate deficiency caused by medicines","description":"Helps prevent low folate in people taking medicines such as methotrexate, trimethoprim, or phenytoin.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Megaloblastic anemia due to folate deficiency","description":"Supports the production of healthy red blood cells when anemia is caused by low folate.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Nutritional support in pregnancy","description":"Used as part of antenatal care to meet the increased folate needs during pregnancy.","evidence":"Well-established"}]
Off-label uses: [{"condition":"Adjunct in depression","description":"Sometimes added to antidepressant therapy when folate levels are low, but it is not a stand-alone treatment for depression.","evidence":"Limited"},{"condition":"Support in inflammatory bowel disease","description":"May be used when medicines for inflammatory bowel disease or poor absorption cause folate deficiency.","evidence":"Limited"},{"condition":"Reducing methotrexate side effects","description":"Often prescribed with methotrexate to reduce certain side effects, but this use must be directed by a specialist.","evidence":"Moderate"}]
Primary treatment for: Folate deficiency
Also treats: Folate deficiency anemia, Neural tube defect prevention in pregnancy, Folate deficiency caused by medicines
📋 Drug Information
| Generic Name(s) | Folic Acid (5mg) |
| Brand Name | icefol 5mg tablet |
| Manufacturer | Stalwart Remedies Pvt Ltd |
| Packaging / Form | Varies by brand (Allopathy) |
| Therapeutic Class | BLOOD RELATED |
| Action Class | Haemopoetic agents |
| Route of Administration | Oral |
| Storage | Store at room temperature, between 15°C and 30°C, in a dry place. Keep the tablets in their original container, tightly closed, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. |
| Shelf Life | Not established from the available information. Check the expiry date printed on the pack and do not use after that date. |
| WHO Guideline | Not established from the available information. Folic acid is widely recommended for prevention of neural tube defects, but specific WHO guidance should be checked from official WHO documents. |
| ICMR Guideline | Not established from the available information. Indian guidelines generally recommend folic acid before and during early pregnancy, but specific ICMR guidance should be checked from official ICMR documents. |
👨⚕️ 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
Folic acid is a synthetic form of folate that the body converts into active tetrahydrofolate coenzymes. These coenzymes are essential for one-carbon transfer reactions involved in DNA synthesis, RNA synthesis, and amino acid metabolism. By supplying folate, this medicine supports normal cell division and the production of healthy red blood cells. It also helps convert homocysteine to methionine, which is important for many body processes.
Mechanism Steps
💡 How to Take icefol 5mg tablet
Strength: Immediate-release tablet containing folic acid 5 mg.
Dosage Information
| Adult Dosage | The usual adult dose of this medicine is one 5 mg tablet taken by mouth once daily, but the exact dose and duration depend on the reason it is prescribed. For folate deficiency, your doctor may advise a higher dose at the start and then a lower maintenance dose. For prevention of neural tube defects, it is often started before conception and continued through early pregnancy. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on indication, age, weight, renal and hepatic function, and other medicines you take. |
| Pediatric Dosage | Pediatric dosing is not established from available information. Consult a pediatrician for the correct dose and form for a child. |
| Elderly Dosage | Older adults usually take the same 5 mg dose as other adults, but the dose may need to be adjusted if kidney or liver function is reduced or if other medicines are being taken. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician. |
| Renal Impairment | No specific dose adjustment is usually needed for mild kidney problems. People with severe kidney disease or those on dialysis may need folate supplements, but the dose should be decided by a doctor. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician. |
| Hepatic Impairment | No specific dose adjustment is usually needed for liver disease. If you have severe liver disease, your doctor will decide the right dose for you. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician. |
| Maximum Daily Dose | The maximum daily dose depends on the reason for use and should be set by your doctor. Do not take more than the prescribed dose. |
Dosage Timeline
🍽️ Food Timing Guide
⏰ What to Do If You Miss a Dose
⚠️ Side Effects of icefol 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Methotrexate | Major | |
| Phenytoin | Major | |
| Trimethoprim | Major | |
| Sulfasalazine | Moderate | |
| Antacids with aluminium or magnesium | Moderate | |
| Cholestyramine | Moderate | |
| Oral contraceptives | Minor | |
| Tea and coffee | Minor |
🚨 Major Interactions
- Methotrexate
- Phenytoin
- Trimethoprim
⚡ Moderate Interactions
- Sulfasalazine
- Antacids containing aluminium or magnesium
- Cholestyramine
🍷 Alcohol Interaction
Regular heavy drinking can lower the body's folate levels and may make this medicine less effective. It is best to limit or avoid alcohol while you are being treated for folate deficiency. If you drink alcohol regularly, tell your doctor so that your dose and follow-up can be planned properly.
🔎 Check Your Other Medicines
Educational tool. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.
🛡️ Safety & Warnings
🚫 Contraindications
["Known allergy to folic acid or any ingredient in this tablet","Untreated vitamin B12 deficiency, because folic acid can mask the blood signs while nerve damage continues","Use as the only treatment for pernicious anemia or other B12 deficiency anemias"]
⚠️ Warnings & Precautions
["Do not use this medicine to self-treat anemia without a proper diagnosis.","High doses can hide vitamin B12 deficiency, so your doctor may check your B12 level.","Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or epilepsy.","Tell your doctor about all medicines you take, especially methotrexate, phenytoin, trimethoprim, or sulfasalazine.","If you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, follow the dose advised by your clinician.","Keep this medicine out of the reach of children."]
🤱 Lactation Safety
Folic acid is present in breast milk and is considered safe during breastfeeding. It is often included in postnatal supplements. Talk to your doctor about the right dose for you.
💊 Overdose Management
Taking too much folic acid is usually not dangerous because it is a water-soluble vitamin and excess amounts are passed in the urine. However, very large doses over a long time can cause stomach upset, sleep problems, or mask vitamin B12 deficiency. If you think you or someone else has taken too much, contact a doctor or a poison control centre for advice. Do not try to make yourself vomit unless a healthcare professional tells you to.
⏰ Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next dose. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed one.
Additional Safety Advice
Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water, with or without food. Do not take more than the recommended dose, because high doses of folic acid can hide the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency, which can lead to nerve damage if left untreated. Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, epilepsy, or a history of vitamin B12 deficiency. If you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, this medicine is often recommended, but the dose and duration should be confirmed by your clinician. Keep all follow-up appointments and blood tests. Do not start any new medicine, supplement, or herbal product without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. Store this medicine out of the reach of children.
👴 Special Considerations for Elderly
💡 For Patients Above 65
Older adults may have low folate levels because of poor diet, poor absorption, or other medicines. This medicine is generally safe, but the dose may need to be reviewed if kidney or liver function is reduced. Your doctor may also check vitamin B12 levels, because B12 deficiency is more common in older adults and can be masked by folic acid.
🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)
If you are trying to conceive, this medicine is often recommended before pregnancy and during the early months to reduce the risk of neural tube defects. The exact dose and how long to take it should be confirmed by your doctor. Start as early as possible, ideally at least one month before conception.
🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations
This medicine is not usually stopped before or after surgery. Tell your surgical team about all medicines you take, including this one. If you are having surgery and have anemia, your doctor may check your folate level and adjust your treatment.
🦷 Dental Procedures
This medicine does not usually cause problems during dental work. Tell your dentist about all medicines you take. If you have a bleeding problem or anemia, your dentist may take extra precautions.
💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results
🏋️ Exercise Considerations
This medicine does not usually limit exercise. If you feel very tired or short of breath because of anemia, start with light activity and increase slowly as you feel better. Talk to your doctor before starting a new exercise program if you have other health conditions.
🥗 Diet Recommendations
💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life
This medicine does not usually affect your ability to work or drive. If you feel very tired or dizzy because of anemia, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you feel better. Most people can continue their normal daily activities while taking this medicine.
🛑 When to Stop This Medicine
Do not stop taking this medicine unless your doctor tells you to. If you are taking it for a short course, stop when the course is finished. If you are taking it long-term, your doctor will review your blood tests and decide when it is safe to stop. If you notice any serious side effect, contact your doctor right away.
📅 Long-Term Use Effects
Long-term use of folic acid at recommended doses is generally safe. Very high doses over a long period can hide vitamin B12 deficiency, so your doctor may check your B12 level. Long-term use may also cause mild stomach upset in some people. Regular follow-up and blood tests help make sure the treatment is working and that no other problems are being missed.
🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches
These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.
Eating foods high in folate can help maintain normal levels, but it may not be enough to treat a deficiency on its own.
Evidence: Well-establishedThese provide folic acid along with other B vitamins and may be used when multiple deficiencies are present.
Evidence: ModerateIf a medicine or a gut problem is causing low folate, treating that cause is important along with taking folic acid.
Evidence: Well-established💉 Vaccination Considerations
💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated
This medicine does not usually interfere with vaccines. If you are planning to receive a vaccine, tell your healthcare provider about all medicines you take. There is no need to stop this medicine before vaccination unless your doctor advises otherwise.
📦 Storage Guide
✅ DO
Store at room temperature between 15°C and 30°C.
❌ DON'T
Do not store in the refrigerator unless the label says so.
✅ DO
Keep the tablets in the original container with the lid tightly closed.
❌ DON'T
Do not transfer the tablets to an unmarked container.
✅ DO
Keep the container away from direct sunlight and moisture.
❌ DON'T
Do not store in the bathroom cabinet.
✅ DO
Keep this medicine out of the reach of children.
❌ DON'T
Do not use the tablets after the expiry date printed on the pack.
✈️ Traveling with This Medicine
Carry this medicine in its original packaging with the label clearly visible. Keep a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor, especially if you are travelling internationally. Store it in a cool, dry place in your hand luggage, away from direct sunlight and moisture. If you are crossing time zones, keep taking your daily dose at about the same time each day; if you are unsure, ask your doctor or pharmacist how to adjust. Check the customs rules of your destination for carrying prescription medicines.
💰 Cost Analysis & Savings
👥 Real Patient Stories
Educational, anonymized scenarios. Individual results may vary.
💬 Questions Patients Often Ask
A: Blood folate levels start to rise within hours, but symptoms such as tiredness and mouth sores usually improve over several weeks of regular use. Your doctor may repeat blood tests to check your response.
A: Yes. You can take it with or without food. Taking it with a meal may reduce stomach upset.
A: If you remember soon after the missed time, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once.
A: Folic acid is recommended before conception and during early pregnancy to reduce the risk of neural tube defects. Follow the dose and duration advised by your doctor.
A: Do not stop without talking to your doctor, especially if you are pregnant or taking long-term medicines that lower folate. Your doctor will tell you when it is safe to stop.
🤔 Common Patient Concerns
🔄 Substitutes for icefol 5mg tablet
View AllAlternative brands with exact same active ingredient:
-
vifol 5mg tabletOsho Pharma Pvt Ltd ₹7.50 15.7% CHEAPER
-
folizee 5mg tabletZeelab Pharmacy Pvt Ltd ₹8.44 5.2% CHEAPER
-
folicyn 5mg tabletAcron Pharmaceuticals ₹9.38 5.4% COSTLIER
-
hiflo 5mg tabletDion Pharmaceuticals ₹9.38 5.4% COSTLIER
-
vitfol 5mg tabletMoxy Laboratories Pvt Ltd ₹9.38 5.4% COSTLIER
Medical Note: Always consult your doctor before switching medications.
🛑 Myths vs. Facts
- Myth: Folic acid is only for pregnant women.
Fact: Folic acid is important for everyone, but it is especially important before and during early pregnancy. It is also used to treat folate deficiency in men, women, and children. - Myth: Taking more folic acid is always better.
Fact: More is not better. High doses can hide vitamin B12 deficiency and cause side effects. Take only the dose your doctor recommends. - Myth: Folic acid can replace a healthy diet.
Fact: Folic acid supplements help, but a balanced diet with green leafy vegetables, beans, and fortified foods is still important. - Myth: Folic acid causes weight gain.
Fact: There is no good evidence that folic acid causes weight gain. If you notice weight changes, discuss it with your doctor.
🔄 Alternative Options
Generic Alternatives
- Folic acid 5 mg tablet
Brand Alternatives
- Alfolic 5mg Tablet