Folic acid
Also sold as: Folvite
No prescription neededVitamins and minerals
Comes as:Tablet
Also sold as: Folvite
To prevent birth defects: 400 micrograms (0.4 mg) once a day, ideally from before pregnancy until the end of the third month. For anaemia caused by lack of folate: usually 5 mg once a day, as advised by your doctor.
Your doctor may give you a different dose. Children's doses depend on weight.
Stop taking it and see a doctor straight away if you notice:
Medicines that can react with this one.
Folic acid can lower phenytoin levels and seizure control; the doctor may check levels.
Sulfasalazine reduces folic acid absorption; a supplement may be advised.