Endofolin: what it is for and how to take it

Endofolin is a folic acid supplement, also called vitamin B9, indicated to reduce the possibility of malformation of the baby’s nervous system, in addition to treating folic acid deficiency in cases of anemia, hemodialysis or epilepsy, for example.

This is because folic acid is important in the formation of cell DNA and for producing and maintaining new cells in the body, and preventing defects in the closure of the baby’s neural tube.

Endofolin can be found in pharmacies or drugstores in the form of tablets, containing 2 or 5 mg of folic acid, or in the form of drops of 0.2 mg/mL, and must be used under medical advice.

What is it for

Endofolin is indicated for folic acid deficiency in several situations such as:

• Hemolytic or megaloblastic anemia;
• Hemodialysis;
• Prolonged use of oral contraceptives;
• Use of methotrexate for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis;
• Epilepsy, depression, alcoholism, schizophrenia or psychoses;
• Periods of rapid growth in children;
• Low birth weight or prematurity.

Endofolin is also indicated before becoming pregnant or during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy to prevent malformation of the baby’s nervous system.

Furthermore, the folic acid present in Endofolin helps to improve the immune system’s response to infectious processes, and is also indicated in cases of prolonged or chronic diarrhea, Crohn’s disease, celiac disease or ulcerative colitis.

How to drink

Endofolin must be taken orally, in the doses and for the duration of treatment established by the doctor.

1. Endofolin tablet

For women planning a pregnancy, the dose of folic acid normally recommended by the WHO ^(1,2) is 400 mcg (0.4 mg) to 800 mcg (0.8 mg) per day, but this dose may vary and must be indicated by the obstetrician. The use of folic acid should be continued until the end of pregnancy. Find out how to use folic acid during pregnancy.

For other situations, doses for adults can vary from 2 to 5 mg per day, according to medical advice.

2. Endofolin drops

Endofolin drops have 0.2 mg of folic acid for every 1 mL of solution and the generally recommended doses of Endofolin drops are:

• Premature and lactating babies: the recommended dose is 0.25mL (5 drops) to 0.5 mL (10 drops) per day;
• Children aged 2 to 4 years: the recommended dose is 0.5 mL (10 drops) to 1.0 mL (20 drops) per day;
• Children aged 4 to 10 years: the recommended dose is 1.0 mL (20 drops) to 1.5 mL (30 drops) per day;
• Children over 10 years old and adults: the recommended dose is 1.0 mL (20 drops) to 2.0 mL (40 drops) per day.

The use of Endofolin by children should always be done under the guidance of a pediatrician, in the recommended doses and for the duration of treatment established by the doctor.

Possible side effects

The most common side effects that may occur during treatment with Endofolin are a bitter taste in the mouth, nausea, loss of appetite, excess intestinal gas, belly swelling, mental confusion, irritability or changes in sleep patterns.

Furthermore, although rare, allergic reactions may occur with symptoms such as redness, itching or blistering of the skin, which generally improve within a few days after stopping use of Endofolin.

Who shouldn’t use

Endofolin should not be used by people who are allergic to folic acid or who have pernicious anemia, severe liver disease with blood clotting problems or lung disease.

Endofolin tablets are not suitable for children under 14 years of age.