Drug Class: Active Folate Supplement — Bioavailable Vitamin B9 | Form: Oral Tablet | Prescription Status: Available Without Prescription (OTC) — DRAP Registered
What is Adfolic 300mcg Tablet? Adfolic 300mcg by PharmEvo contains Quatrefolic — the third-generation, most bioavailable form of active folate available today. Unlike standard folic acid supplements that require multiple enzymatic conversion steps before the body can use them, Quatrefolic is already in the biologically active 5-MTHF form — ready for immediate use by cells without conversion. This is critically important for individuals with MTHFR gene mutations — a common genetic variation affecting up to 40% of the population — who cannot efficiently convert standard folic acid into active folate. Adfolic delivers superior folate bioavailability making it the preferred choice for pregnancy neural tube defect prevention, folate deficiency treatment, and homocysteine management in patients where standard folic acid supplementation is insufficient.
What is Adfolic 300mcg Used For?
- Neural tube defect prevention — critical for women planning pregnancy or in first trimester (پیدائشی نقائص کی روک تھام)
- Folate deficiency — dietary insufficiency or malabsorption-related deficiency (فولیٹ کی کمی)
- Megaloblastic anaemia — large abnormal red blood cells from folate deficiency (خون کی کمی)
- Hyperhomocysteinaemia — elevated homocysteine levels increasing cardiovascular and stroke risk (خون میں ہومو سسٹین کی زیادتی)
- Cardiovascular health support — lowering homocysteine to reduce heart disease risk (دل کی صحت)
- MTHFR gene mutation — patients unable to convert standard folic acid to active form
- Preconception supplementation — building adequate folate stores before pregnancy
How Does it Work? Quatrefolic provides 5-methyltetrahydrofolate — the end-product active form of folate that the body uses directly. Standard folic acid requires conversion through multiple enzymatic steps including the MTHFR enzyme — a step that is impaired in a significant proportion of the population due to genetic variation. By bypassing all conversion steps entirely, Quatrefolic achieves significantly higher and more consistent active folate blood levels than equivalent doses of standard folic acid. Active folate is essential for DNA synthesis, cell division, and red blood cell maturation. It also works with Vitamin B12 in the methylation cycle — converting homocysteine to methionine, reducing elevated homocysteine levels that damage blood vessels and increase cardiovascular risk.
Dosage and Administration
⚠️ Women planning pregnancy should start Adfolic at least 1 month before conception and continue through the first trimester — neural tube closure occurs in the first 28 days of pregnancy, often before pregnancy is confirmed. Can be taken with or without food.
| Indication | Usual Adult Dose | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preconception / Neural tube defect prevention | 300mcg | Once daily | Start 1 month before conception |
| First trimester pregnancy supplementation | 300mcg | Once daily | Continue through first trimester |
| Folate deficiency | 300mcg | Once to twice daily | As directed by doctor |
| Hyperhomocysteinaemia | 300mcg | Once daily | Often combined with B12 and B6 |
| MTHFR gene mutation | 300mcg | Once daily | Active folate preferred over folic acid |
Active Ingredients
| Ingredient | Strength |
|---|---|
| Quatrefolic (5-MTHF Active Folate) | 300mcg |
Who Should NOT Take Adfolic 300mcg?
- Allergy to Quatrefolic or any component of the tablet
- Undiagnosed megaloblastic anaemia — folate supplementation can mask underlying Vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia allowing neurological damage to progress undetected; always confirm B12 status before starting folate supplementation
- Known folate-dependent malignancy — consult oncologist before supplementation
- Epilepsy patients on Phenytoin — folate may reduce Phenytoin effectiveness; consult neurologist
Side Effects Quatrefolic active folate is extremely well tolerated. Serious side effects are exceptionally rare at therapeutic doses.
Common: Mild nausea with high doses, mild stomach discomfort — usually temporary and resolve quickly.
Serious — Seek medical attention if: Severe allergic reaction — sudden widespread rash, swelling of face or throat (نایاب — فوری مدد لیں), worsening neurological symptoms in undiagnosed B12 deficiency — folate supplementation without B12 correction can unmask and accelerate B12-related nerve damage (فوری ڈاکٹر کو بتائیں).
Drug Interactions
| Medicine | Interaction |
|---|---|
| Phenytoin / Carbamazepine / Valproate | Antiepileptics reduce folate absorption — folate supplementation may reciprocally reduce antiepileptic blood levels; neurologist consultation required |
| Methotrexate | Methotrexate acts as folate antagonist — folate supplementation used intentionally to reduce Methotrexate toxicity; always follow rheumatologist or oncologist guidance |
| Sulfasalazine | Reduces folate absorption — supplementation particularly important in patients on Sulfasalazine |
| Trimethoprim / Cotrimoxazole | Act as folate antagonists — increased folate requirement during prolonged antibiotic courses |
| Cholestyramine | Reduces folate absorption from gastrointestinal tract — take Adfolic 2 hours apart |
| Vitamin B12 | Works synergistically with active folate in homocysteine reduction and DNA synthesis — often prescribed together |
Storage: Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place. Protect from moisture and direct sunlight. Keep in original packaging. Keep out of reach of children (بچوں کی پہنچ سے دور رکھیں). Do not use after expiry date.
FAQs
Q: Why is Quatrefolic in Adfolic better than standard folic acid supplements? Standard folic acid requires conversion by the MTHFR enzyme to become usable — up to 40% of people have reduced MTHFR activity due to genetic variation and cannot convert folic acid efficiently. Quatrefolic is already in the active 5-MTHF form, bypassing this conversion entirely for superior and more consistent folate availability.
Q: When should women start taking Adfolic before pregnancy? Ideally start at least one month before planned conception — neural tube defects occur in the first 28 days of pregnancy, often before a woman knows she is pregnant. Starting early ensures adequate active folate tissue levels are present when they are most critically needed for foetal neural development.
Q: Can Adfolic be taken alongside a standard prenatal multivitamin? Check the folate content of the multivitamin before combining — many prenatal supplements already contain folic acid or active folate. Combining multiple folate-containing products without checking total daily intake is generally unnecessary. Consult your obstetrician for personalised supplementation guidance during pregnancy.
Medical Disclaimer: This information is for general awareness only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult a qualified doctor or pharmacist before starting any supplement, particularly during pregnancy or when planning conception.