Q-Late 400mcg capsule

Folate (6s-5-methyltetrahydrofolate) is indicated for:

• During Pregnancy and Lactation
• For pregnant women to prevent neural tube defect in babies
• As a dietary supplement in adults and older people
• To prevent risk of spontaneous abortions
• In postmenopausal women to normalize homocystine, contributing to helping hot flashes, cardiovascular and bone health of aging women • Folate deficiency caused by some medicines (e.g. those used to treat epilepsy such as phenytoin, phenobarbital and primidone)
• Folate deficiency caused by long term red blood cell damage or kidney dialysis
• In Depression, cognitive impairment, Dementia and Alzheimer's disease

Pharmacology

Folate is a water-soluble vitamin B, which functions as a coenzyme or co-substrate in the synthesis of DNA and RNA and metabolism of amino acids. Deficiency is common during pregnancy which may lead to fetal malformations such as neural tube defects. Inadequate maternal folate status has also been associated with low infant birth weight, preterm delivery, and fetal growth retardation. Spina-bifi- da and anencephaly are the most common neural tube defects (NTDs). Folic acid supplementation before conception and during the first trimester has been shown to reduce the recurrence of NTDs in women. Supplementation is used to treat megaloblastic anemia during pregnancy.

Folate (68-5-methyltetrahydrofolate) is the fourth generation folate derivatives, a new generation of folic acid derivative made up of (6S-5-methyltetrahydrofolate) and glucosamine salt which is readily active and has added advantage of higher bioavailability, safety and stability.

Dosage & Administration

1-2 Capsule daily or as directed by the physician.

Interaction

Folate (6s-5-methyltetrahydrofolate) may show possible drug interactions. Anticonvulsant action of phenytoin is antagonized by Folic Acid. Folate deficiency may result from increased loss of folate, as in renal dialysis and/or interference with metabolism (e.g., Folic Acid antagonists such as Methotrex- ate); the administration of anticonvulsants, such as diphenylhydantoin, primidone, and barbiturates; alcohol consumption and, especially alcoholic cirrhosis; and the administration of pyrimethamine and, nitrofurantoin. Taking Folate (6s-5-methyltetrahydrofolate) along with amiodarone might increase the chances of sunburn, blistering, or rashes on areas of skin exposed to sunlight. Folate (6s-5-methyltetrahydrofolate) might increase breaks down of phenobarbital leading to decrease the effectiveness of phenobarbital.

Contraindications

Folate (6s-5-methyltetrahydrofolate) is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients.

Side Effects

Folate (6s-5-methyltetrahydrofolate) may have some side effects. It's best to consult a doctor first before starting this medication.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Use in pregnancy is considered safely acceptable. Folic acid is actively secreted in breast milk. Supplementation in lactating women may be needed if poor nutritional habits lead to maternal deficiency and megaloblastic anemia. The American Academy of Pediatrics considers folic acid compatible with breast feeding.

Precautions & Warnings

Folic acid alone is inadequate therapy in the treatment of pernicious anemia and other megaloblastic anemias where Vitamin B12 is deficient. Folic acid in doses above 0.1 mg daily may obscure pernicious anemia in that hematologic remission can occur while neurological manifestations progress. While prescribing this nutritional supplement for pregnant women, nursing mothers or for women prior to conception, their medical condition and any drugs, herbs and/or supplements consumption should be considered.

Overdose Effects

In case of accidental over dosage, call a doctor or refer to healthcare facility immediately.

Therapeutic Class

Herbal and Nutraceuticals

Storage Conditions

Store at below 25°C in a dry place protected from light. Keep out of reach of children.