Medical expert of the article
New publications
Preparations
Calciumfolinate
Last reviewed: 03.07.2025
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
For the treatment of oncological, infectious, parasitic diseases, the so-called chemotherapy is used, the essence of which is to affect the pathogen with poisons and toxins. It is no secret that such aggressive treatment affects not only the source of the disease, but also negatively affects the entire body. This is due to the fact that drugs aimed at blocking the division of diseased cells prevent the growth of cells in the mucous membranes of the mouth, digestive tract, reproductive organs, bone marrow, hair follicles. Damage to normal cells causes various complications: anemia, ulcers of the mucous membranes, infectious diseases, bleeding, hair loss, nausea and vomiting. In order to alleviate the effects of chemotherapy, there are antidotes that neutralize its toxic effect, which include calcium folinate.
Indications Calciumfolinate
Indications for use of the drug include use for the treatment of the effects of folic acid antagonists, in particular the antitumor agents methotrexate and 5-fluorouracil, which prevent the formation of red blood cells in bone marrow cells. Calciumfolinate makes it possible to use chemotherapy in the volumes needed to combat the tumor.
Release form
Release form - ampoules for injections with calcium salt of folinic acid, dried by freezing under vacuum. In addition to ampoules of the drug, the package also contains ampoules of sodium chloride solution for diluting the active substance.
Pharmacodynamics
The pharmacodynamics of calcifolinate is to restore the metabolism of folates in the body - folic acid compounds that are most needed by the bone marrow - the source of red blood cells. It makes it possible to use high doses of methotrexate, reducing its toxic effects on the body. It is aimed at treating complications after chemotherapy, such as ulcerative stomatitis - the formation of wounds in the mouth, enteropathy - an intestinal disease. Replenishes folic acid reserves. The drug's action is directed only at healthy cells.
Pharmacokinetics
The highest content in the blood serum occurs after an intramuscular injection in 40 minutes, after an intravenous injection - in 10. Accumulation occurs mainly in the liver, and the half-life is 6.2 hours. It leaves the body mainly with urine, an insignificant part - with feces.
Dosing and administration
Method of administration: intravenous and intramuscular jet injection. The drug is diluted in sodium chloride solution, after which it is suitable for use for another 12 hours, provided that the required temperature conditions are observed (not higher than +8 0 C). The use of methotrexate in a dose of 1-5 g after 6-18 hours is accompanied by an injection of 3-10 mg / m 2 of calcium folinate, 10-20 g of methotrexate requires 10-20 mg / m 2 of the drug. The interval between taking calcium folinate should be 6 hours, the full course of treatment is 10-12 doses. In case of a pronounced toxic reaction to methotrexate, the drug is administered one hour after taking it, the dose is doubled, and the intervals are reduced by the same amount. In the case of chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil, calcium folinate is administered before taking it.
[ 2 ]
Use Calciumfolinate during pregnancy
There have been no studies on the effects of calcium folinate on the fetus or the reproductive function as a whole. Use during pregnancy is possible if there is an immediate threat to the life of the expectant mother.
Contraindications
Calciumfolinate is contraindicated for people with hypersensitivity to one of the components included in the drug, as well as with low hemoglobin levels (anemia) caused by vitamin B12 deficiency. Caution should be exercised when taking the drug to patients with epilepsy, renal failure, alcoholism, and when prescribing to children under 2 years of age.
Side effects Calciumfolinate
Side effects may include allergic reactions, excessive excitement, insomnia, dyspeptic disorders: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.
[ 1 ]
Overdose
The drug is not toxic, but large doses of it reduce the antitumor effect of the drugs used in chemotherapy.
Interactions with other drugs
Calciumfolinate is incompatible with a number of drugs in the form of injections - anticancer agents: fluorouracil, methotrexate; droperidol, used in anesthesia and psychiatric practice; the antiviral drug foscarnet.
[ 3 ]
Storage conditions
Storage conditions: places inaccessible to children, at a temperature not exceeding 25°C, out of direct sunlight.
Shelf life
3 years.
Attention!
To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Calciumfolinate" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.
Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.