Folic acid
Folic acid is a vitamin found in 19 medicines sold in India, such as Folvite 5, Livogen, Orofer XT. Below: what it is for, how it works, how to take it, side effects, interactions and pregnancy advice.
Also called: folate, vitamin b9
What it is used for
Prevents and treats anaemia and protects the baby's spine in early pregnancy.
How it works
A B vitamin (B9) needed to make new cells and red blood cells. Taken before and in early pregnancy it prevents spinal birth defects.
How to take it
400 mcg a day from before conception until 12 weeks of pregnancy (5 mg if advised for higher risk). For anaemia, as prescribed.
Common side effects
Usually none
Get medical help straight away if
Allergic reaction (rare)
Be careful
Generally safe.
Other medicines and interactions
High doses can hide B12 deficiency. Methotrexate, phenytoin and some antibiotics interfere with folate.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Strongly recommended before and during early pregnancy; safe while breastfeeding.
Brands of Folic acid (1)
Combination medicines that contain Folic acid (18)
Common questions
What is Folic acid used for?
Prevents and treats anaemia and protects the baby's spine in early pregnancy.
How does Folic acid work?
A B vitamin (B9) needed to make new cells and red blood cells. Taken before and in early pregnancy it prevents spinal birth defects.
How should I take Folic acid?
400 mcg a day from before conception until 12 weeks of pregnancy (5 mg if advised for higher risk). For anaemia, as prescribed.
What are the side effects of Folic acid?
Common: Usually none. Get help straight away for: Allergic reaction (rare).
Does Folic acid interact with other medicines?
High doses can hide B12 deficiency. Methotrexate, phenytoin and some antibiotics interfere with folate.
Is Folic acid safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding?
Strongly recommended before and during early pregnancy; safe while breastfeeding.
Does Folic acid need a prescription in India?
It is usually sold without a prescription in India, but ask a pharmacist if you take other medicines or have a long-term illness.
Which brands contain Folic acid?
Autrin, Cheri XT, Cobadex CZS, Dexorange, Fefol, Fercee XT, Fericip XT, Ferium XT, Feronia-XT, Ferox XT, Ferrogen-XT, Folvite 5, Hb-29, Hemfer-XT, Irozorb, Livogen, Orofer XT, Shelcal XT, Trifer-XT.
Sources and further reading
- Folic acid: NHS · MedlinePlus
NHS (UK National Health Service) and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) are free, reviewed medicine guides. Brand names and doses there may differ from India.
Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu from standard prescribing information.
🔎 Search another medicine