Folic acid is effective in the treatment of megaloblastic anemias due to deficiency of folic acid (as may be seen in tropical or nontropical sprue) and in anemias of nutritional origin, pregnancy, infancy, or childhood.

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MEGALOBLASTIC ANEMIA -- A disorder characterized by the presence of ANEMIA, abnormally large red blood cells (megalocytes or macrocytes), and MEGALOBLASTS.

Malnutrition -- disorder of nutrition due to unbalanced or insufficient diet or to defective assimilation or utilization of nutrients.

Celiac Disease -- A malabsorption syndrome that is precipitated by the ingestion of GLUTEN-containing foods, such as wheat, rye, and barley. It is characterized by INFLAMMATION of the SMALL INTESTINE, loss of MICROVILLI structure, failed INTESTINAL ABSORPTION, and MALNUTRITION.

Anemia -- A reduction in the number of circulating erythrocytes or in the quantity of hemoglobin.

Folic acid is contraindicated in patients who have shown previous intolerance to the drug.

Administration of folic acid alone is improper therapy for pernicious anemia and other megaloblastic anemias in which vitamin B12 is deficient.

The following US Branded drugs contain Folic Acid

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INFUVITE ADULT -- SANDOZ CANADA INC

CERNEVIT-12 -- BAXTER HEALTHCARE CORP

INFUVITE PEDIATRIC -- SANDOZ CANADA INC

INFUVITE PEDIATRIC (PHARMACY BULK PACKAGE) -- SANDOZ CANADA INC

M.V.I. PEDIATRIC -- HOSPIRA INC

BEROCCA PN -- HOFFMANN LA ROCHE INC

M.V.C. 9+3 -- ABRAXIS PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS

M.V.I.-12 -- HOSPIRA INC

M.V.I.-12 (WITHOUT VITAMIN K) -- HOSPIRA INC

MVC PLUS -- WATSON LABORATORIES INC

M.V.I. ADULT -- HOSPIRA INC

M.V.I. ADULT (PHARMACY BULK PACKAGE) -- HOSPIRA INC

M.V.I.-12 LYOPHILIZED -- ASTRAZENECA LP

VITAPED -- HOSPIRA INC

FOLVRON -- LEDERLE LABORATORIES DIV AMERICAN CYANAMID CO

FOLVITE -- WYETH PHARMACEUTICALS INC

FOLICET -- MISSION PHARMACAL CO