Folinex 15mg Tablet

✔️ Dosage & Administration

For Adults:

Oral Antidote for Methotrexate Toxicity:

• 15 mg every 6 hours for 10 doses, starting 24 hours after methotrexate infusion.
• Continue until serum methotrexate levels are <0.05 micromolar.
• Can be administered via IM/IV injection as an alternative.

For Folate-Deficient Megaloblastic Anaemia:

• 15 mg daily (oral route).

Adjunct to Fluorouracil in Colorectal Cancer:

• 200 mg/m² Body Surface Area (BSA) via slow IV injection over at least 3 minutes, followed by 370 mg/m² fluorouracil by IV injection.
• Treatment is given for 5 consecutive days and repeated every 28 days for 2 courses.
• Subsequent doses may be repeated every 4-5 weeks if the patient has recovered from the toxic effects.

Intramuscular Folate-Deficient Megaloblastic Anaemia:

• Up to 1 mg/day.

Always follow a healthcare professional’s advice for accurate dosing.

✔️ Side Effects

Common:

• Allergic reactions (e.g., rash, pruritus, erythema, urticaria).
• Nausea, vomiting, fever.

Serious:

• Rare side effects like severe enterocolitis, diarrhea, and dehydration (especially in elderly patients).

✔️ Drug Interactions

1. Fluorouracil: Folinic acid may increase toxicity when given with fluorouracil.
2. Sulfamethoxazole-Trimethoprim: Folinic acid can reduce its efficacy in treating pneumocystis carinii pneumonia.
3. Other Interactions: Be cautious when combined with other medications such as methotrexate, warfarin, anticonvulsants, and antibiotics.

✔️ Contraindications

1. Hypersensitivity to folinic acid or any component of the product.
2. Pernicious anemia or any other megaloblastic anemia caused by vitamin B12 deficiency.
3. Intrathecal or intraventricular administration.

✔️ Precautions

1. Undiagnosed Megaloblastic Anaemia: Ensure diagnosis of megaloblastic anemia before use.
2. Folate-Dependent Tumors: Exercise caution.
3. Pregnancy: Use only if the potential benefit justifies the risk to the fetus.
4. Monitor Serum Methotrexate Levels: Essential for determining optimal dose and duration.
5. Monitor Electrolytes and Liver Function: Regular testing is advised.

✔️ Storage Conditions

• Store below 30°C.
• Keep away from light and moisture.
• Keep out of reach of children.