Parenteral Manual

Folic acid

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Alternate Name(s): 
FOLVITE®
Classification: 
Hematopoietic vitamin, anemia therapy
Original Date: 
August 2005
Revised Date: 
December 2019
Indications: 
  • Folate deficiency due to inadequate intake or absorption; or increased utilization or excretion
  • Treatment of megoblastic and macrocytic anemias due to folate deficiency
Reconstitution and Stability: 
  • Store at room temperature
  • Available as 5 mg/mL solution
  • Protect from light and heat
  • Solutions are clear yellow to orange yellow in colour
  • Vial stable for 3 days at room temperature once punctured
Compatibility: 

- Solutions Compatible: dextrose solutions up to D20W, NS

- Additives/Above Cassette Compatible: no information

- Y-site Compatible: TPN (amino acids/dextrose), KCl

- Incompatible: oxidizing and reducing agents, heavy metal ions, morphine

Administration: 

(For approved routes of administration by nursing personnel, refer to Policy for the Administration of Intravenous Medications.)

SC YES
IM YES, deep into muscle
IV Direct

YES
Usual dilution: 5 mg/mL
Infusion rate: 5 mg/minute

IV Intermittent Infusion YES
Usual dilution: 0.1 mg/mL   
Infusion time: 20 minutes
IV Continuous Infusion YES, in TPN
Dosage: 

(For neonatal dosages, refer to Neonatal IV Drug Manual.)

  • Give orally, except in severe intestinal malabsorption or when oral administration is not feasible        

Folic Acid deficiency:

Infants:

  • 15 mcg/kg/dose daily or 50 mcg/day SC/IM/IV

Children 1-10 years:   

  • Initial: 1 mg/day SC/IM/IV
  • Maintenance: 0.1-0.4 mg/day

Children > 11 and Adults:

  • Initial: 1 mg/day SC/IM/IV
  • Maintenance: 0.5 mg/day
Potential hazards of parenteral administration: 
  • Allergic reactions (rare):  erythema, rash, itching, general malaise, bronchospasm
Notes: 
  • Will not prevent neurologic abnormalities due to vitamin B12 deficiency, although the hematological effects may be masked.
  • May mask the diagnosis of pernicious anemia
  • Contraindicated in pernicious, aplastic and normocytic anemias
  • IV and oral doses are equivalent on a mg per mg basis
  • May decrease serum phenytoin concentrations
  • Injectable may be given orally

 

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