Folic acid 5 mg: uses, price & cheaper substitutes
Common uses: Folate deficiency anaemia; Before and during early pregnancy to reduce the risk of spina bifida and other neural tube defects – 5 mg is the higher dose used when a doctor judges the risk is higher.
Listed MRPs range from ₹0.28 to ₹1.63 per tablet across 6 listings.
Price comparison
| Brand | Manufacturer | Pack | MRP | ₹ / tablet | As on |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Folic Acid Tablets IP 5 mgJan Aushadhi | Jan Aushadhi (PMBJP) | 15 | ₹4.13 | ₹0.28 | 19 October 2026 |
| Folizee 5 mg | Zeelab Pharmacy Pvt Ltd | 30 | ₹9.00 | ₹0.30 | 19 October 2026 |
| Folinal 5 mg | Alembic Pharmaceuticals Ltd | 30 | ₹43.03 | ₹1.43 | 19 October 2026 |
| Folera | Maneesh Pharmaceuticals Ltd | 30 | ₹43.92 | ₹1.46 | 19 October 2026 |
| Folvite 5 mg | Pfizer Ltd | 45 | ₹73.05 | ₹1.62 | 19 October 2026 |
| Folitas 5 mg | Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd | 30 | ₹48.83 | ₹1.63 | 19 October 2026 |
MRPs as printed/listed on the date shown; actual price may vary.
Uses
- Folate deficiency anaemia.
- Before and during early pregnancy to reduce the risk of spina bifida and other neural tube defects – 5 mg is the higher dose used when a doctor judges the risk is higher.
- Reducing side effects of methotrexate in people taking it for arthritis or psoriasis.
- Preventing low folate in people on dialysis or with poor absorption.
How to take it
Take one 5 mg tablet a day, or as your doctor prescribes, with water, with or without food. If you are planning a pregnancy, start ideally about 3 months before conceiving and continue at least through the first 12 weeks. If you take it with methotrexate, your doctor will tell you which days to take it – usually not on the methotrexate day. Keep taking it for as long as your doctor advises; deficiency anaemia often needs several months of treatment.
Side effects
Common
- Bloating or wind.
- Nausea or loss of appetite.
- Side effects are uncommon and usually mild.
Serious
Stop and get medical help urgently if you notice any of these.
- Allergic reaction – swollen face, throat or tongue, itchy raised rash, difficulty breathing (rare).
- Folic acid can hide a vitamin B12 deficiency, letting nerve damage progress – tell your doctor if you have numbness, tingling or memory problems.
- Worsening seizure control in people on phenytoin or phenobarbital – tell your doctor if fits increase.
Safety information
Alcohol
Best to avoid or limit alcohol, as it reduces how well folic acid works and worsens deficiency.
Pregnancy
Folic acid is recommended in pregnancy. Some women need the higher 5 mg dose – your doctor decides. It is usually fine while breastfeeding.
Kidney problems
Used in kidney disease and dialysis under a doctor's supervision.
Liver problems
No special precautions are listed; tell your doctor about liver disease.
Children
Children over 12 months can take folic acid tablets if prescribed; dose depends on age and the reason.
Missed dose
Take it as soon as you remember, then carry on as usual. Do not take two doses together.
Interactions
- Epilepsy medicines – phenytoin, phenobarbital, primidone – folic acid can lower their levels; your doctor may need to adjust doses.
- Methotrexate – folic acid is given on purpose to reduce side effects, but take it on the days your doctor specifies.
- Antibiotics chloramphenicol and co-trimoxazole, and sulfasalazine – can interfere with folate.
- Lithium and aspirin – tell your doctor.
- Do not take folic acid alone if you have pernicious anaemia or B12 deficiency without B12 treatment.
Frequently asked questions
What is Folvite 5 mg used for?
It treats folate deficiency anaemia, is taken before and during early pregnancy to protect the baby's spine and brain, and is given with methotrexate to reduce its side effects.
When should I start Folvite if planning pregnancy?
Ideally about 3 months before you conceive, and continue at least through the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Your doctor decides whether you need the 5 mg dose or a lower one.
Folvite 5 mg vs 1 mg – which do I need?
Most women need the lower dose; the 5 mg tablet is used when the doctor judges a higher risk, for example a previous pregnancy with a neural tube defect, diabetes, epilepsy medicines or obesity. Follow your doctor's advice.
Can I take Folvite with alcohol?
It is best to avoid or limit alcohol. Alcohol reduces folate absorption and can undo the benefit of the tablet.
Can men take folic acid?
Yes, if prescribed for folate deficiency anaemia or alongside methotrexate. It is not a fertility treatment on its own.
Does Folvite 5 mg need a prescription?
Folic acid tablets are sold without a prescription in India, but the 5 mg dose should be taken on a doctor's advice, especially if you have not had a B12 test.
Can I take Folvite with methotrexate?
Yes – doctors prescribe it with methotrexate to reduce side effects. Take it on the days your doctor specifies, usually not on the same day as methotrexate.
Does folic acid cause weight gain?
No. Weight gain is not a recognised side effect. Common effects are mild bloating, wind or nausea.
Sources
- NHS – Folic acid (19 October 2026)
- NPPA Pharma Sahi Daam (ceiling prices) (19 October 2026)
- PMBI Jan Aushadhi Product & MRP List (19 October 2026)
Medyzen Editorial Team · Last updated
This page is general information, not medical advice. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without asking a doctor or pharmacist. Terms