Folic Acid: Uses, Side Effects & Brands in Pakistan
Folic Acid is a B vitamin supplement. It is used for folate deficiency anaemia, prevention of neural tube defects in pregnancy, and support during pregnancy. In Pakistan it is available as sachets, tablets, capsules and syrup, made by 16 different manufacturers. On this page you can read how it works, its common side effects and precautions, and compare the brands and prices available at Medimart.
How Folic Acid works
Folic acid is needed to make DNA and healthy red blood cells, and for the normal development of a baby's brain and spine.
What is Folic Acid used for?
- Folate deficiency anaemia
- Prevention of neural tube defects in pregnancy
- And support during pregnancy
Folic Acid is used before and during early pregnancy to lower the risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida in the baby. It is also used to treat megaloblastic anaemia caused by folate deficiency, and with some medicines that lower folate.
Side effects of Folic Acid
Folic Acid is usually well tolerated. Rarely it can cause:
- Nausea or loss of appetite
- Bloating
- Allergic skin rash
Seek medical help for signs of an allergic reaction.
Precautions and warnings
- Start it before trying to conceive if possible and continue through the first trimester, as your doctor advises.
- Anaemia should be checked for vitamin B12 deficiency before folic acid alone is used.
- Higher-strength tablets are used on a doctor's advice, such as in diabetes, epilepsy or a previous affected pregnancy.
Frequently asked questions about Folic Acid
What is the price of Folic Acid in Pakistan?
At Medimart, Folic Acid products currently in stock range from Rs 124 to Rs 3,900 per pack, depending on the brand, strength and pack size. The lowest-priced option right now is Folic Acid Tablet at Rs 124. Prices are updated regularly, so the product list on this page always shows the latest price.Which brands of Folic Acid are available in Pakistan?
Folic Acid is sold in Pakistan under brand names such as Folic (Zafa Pharmaceutical Labortories Ltd), Inositolic (Galaxy Pharma), Myfol (RG Pharmacutica Pvt Ltd), Inofolic (Galaxy Pharma), Foreva (Matrix Pharma Ltd), Myofolic (Matrix Pharma Ltd), Slix and Inostolic (Galaxy Pharma), along with 6 more brands listed below.Do I need a prescription for Folic Acid?
Folic Acid is generally available without a prescription. Read the leaflet before use and ask a pharmacist or doctor if you are unsure, especially for children, during pregnancy, or if you take other medicines.
Can Folic Acid be used during pregnancy?
Higher-strength tablets are used on a doctor's advice, such as in diabetes, epilepsy or a previous affected pregnancy.
Folic Acid brands and prices in Pakistan
Medimart lists 20+ products containing Folic Acid from different manufacturers. Compare strengths, pack sizes and prices below and order online with cash on delivery.
