Vitamin (B-vitamin supplement)
Last reviewed June 2026
Who is this for?
Folic acid is a type of B vitamin (vitamin B9) that helps your body make new healthy red blood cells and supports proper cell growth and function.
Provides essential cofactor support for one-carbon transfer reactions required for nucleotide synthesis and DNA methylation, thereby promoting erythropoiesis and normal fetal neural tube development. Acts as a substrate for dihydrofolate reductase to regenerate tetrahydrofolate (THF), the active form necessary for purine and thymidylate synthesis in rapidly dividing cells.
Available Over The Counter
Get this from any pharmacy or chemist — no prescription needed.
Explore this drug
For folate deficiency: take 1 tablet (5 mg) once daily. For pregnancy prevention of birth defects: your doctor may prescribe 400 micrograms (0.4 mg) to 5 mg daily, usually starting before conception and continuing through the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. You can take it with or without food — just take it at the same time each day with a glass of water.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue as normal. Do not take two tablets at once to make up for it.
Buy from reputable pharmacies — avoid buying from roadside vendors or buses, as you may get fake or expired products. If you are pregnant, do not substitute folic acid with random multivitamins without checking that the folic acid dose is adequate. Take it consistently every day for best results — it works best when taken regularly, not just once in a while.
Methotrexate (used for arthritis or cancer) — folic acid can affect how this drug works, so inform your doctor. Anti-seizure medications like phenytoin or carbamazepine — folic acid can reduce their effectiveness and vice versa. Some antibiotics like tetracycline may interact, so space them apart or tell your pharmacist about all your medications.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Folic with your other drugs?
Folic acid is safe and strongly recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding — in fact, doctors in Nigeria routinely prescribe it to all pregnant women to prevent birth defects and anaemia.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat — Nigerian weather can be very hot, so avoid leaving it on window sills or in your car. Keep the container tightly closed to protect from humidity. Always keep out of reach of children.
For information only — not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Names this drug is sold under — especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
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Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.
Dispensing Folic acid?
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