Folic acid Oral, Injection and ZoDex

• Generic Name: folic acid
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: FA-8, Folacin-800

Vitamins are compounds that you must have for growth and health. They are needed in small amounts only and are usually available in the foods that you eat. Folic acid (vitamin B 9) is necessary for strong blood.

Lack of folic acid may lead to anemia (weak blood). Your health care professional may treat this by prescribing folic acid for you.

Some conditions may increase your need for folic acid. These include:

• Alcoholism
• Anemia, hemolytic
• Diarrhea (continuing)
• Fever (prolonged)
• Hemodialysis
• Illness (prolonged)
• Intestinal diseases
• Liver disease
• Stress (continuing)
• Surgical removal of stomach

In addition, infants smaller than normal, breast-fed infants, or those receiving unfortified formulas (such as evaporated milk or goat's milk) may need additional folic acid.

Increased need for folic acid should be determined by your health care professional.

Some studies have found that folic acid taken by women before they become pregnant and during early pregnancy may reduce the chances of certain birth defects (neural tube defects).

Claims that folic acid and other B vitamins are effective for preventing mental problems have not been proven. Many of these treatments involve large and expensive amounts of vitamins.

Injectable folic acid is given by or under the direction of your health care professional. Another form of folic acid is available without a prescription.

• Generic Name: dexamethasone
• Dosage Forms: tablet
• Other Brand Names: ZoDex, Baycadron, Dexamethasone Intensol, DexPak 10 Day Taperpak, DexPak 13 DayTaperpak, DexPak 6 DayTaperpak, De-Sone LA, Dexacen-4, Dexasone, Dexasone LA, Solurex, Solurex LA, Decadron, DexPak, TaperDex, Zema-Pak, Zonacort

• It is used for many health problems like allergy signs, asthma, adrenal gland problems, blood problems, skin rashes, or swelling problems. This is not a list of all health problems that ZoDex (dexamethasone tablets) may be used for. Talk with the doctor.