Treatment of psoriasis with folic acid: how to take

Psoriasis is a chronic disease that manifests itself during periods of weakening of the body or during stressful moments. In the absence of proper therapy, the course of the disease worsens, as a result of which a person cannot live a full life, and the end result of this can even be disability. Folic acid for psoriasis is one of the most important components in the fight against exacerbations of the disease.

Indications folic acid for psoriasis.

B vitamins and folic acid are an effective remedy for psoriasis. They are indicated in the treatment of this disease, as they stimulate the processes of erythrocyte synthesis, and at the same time eliminate inflammation and itching, and stabilize the healing process of the skin.

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Release form

It is produced in the form of tablets of 1 mg. There are 10 tablets on a blister. The package contains 5 blister plates. It can also be packed in polymer jars - 50 pieces in one jar. The package contains 1 such jar.

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Pharmacodynamics

Folic acid takes an active part in the processes of reduction and oxidation occurring in the body. The process of metabolism transforms the active substance into tetrahydrofolate, which is necessary for the emergence of megaloblasts, as well as their subsequent transformation into normoblasts. Due to the deficiency of this substance, a person develops a megaloblastic hematopoietic type. This component is an active participant in the processes of pyrimidine exchange with purines, and in addition, it has an active effect on the metabolism of individual amino acids (such as methionine, glycine, and histidine) and on the synthesis of nucleic acids.

The drug has a positive effect on the functioning of the liver, intestines and immune system – this is where problems often arise when psoriasis develops.

An important property of folic acid is also the normalization of the hematopoietic process. It ensures the production of red blood cells, and also saturates problem cells with iron and oxygen.

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Pharmacokinetics

After oral administration, folic acid combines with Castle factor (a specific glycoprotein) in the stomach and is then absorbed through the upper duodenum. Binding to plasma proteins is almost complete.

Under the influence of the enzyme dihydrofolate reductase, the vitamin is activated in the liver and converted into tetrahydrofolate. The substance reaches its peak concentration in the blood after 0.5-1 hour. Folic acid is excreted through the kidneys (either unchanged or in the form of decay products).

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Dosing and administration

Patients with psoriasis require a significant increase in the level of vitamin B9 entering the body. Medicines should be taken in courses, exclusively in the concentration prescribed by the attending physician. The average daily dosage is 3000-5000 mcg. When using the substance to prevent the disease during remission, the daily dosage is usually 700-800 mcg. For 1 month, it should be reduced to 400 mcg. Tablets are the most convenient dosage form of the vitamin. 1 tablet contains 1000 or 5000 mcg of the active substance.

It is important to take the pills correctly, and also to know what diet to follow for psoriasis:

• the tablets should be taken during meals, because with active functioning of the gastrointestinal tract their absorption is significantly increased;
• you need to drink at least 2.5-3 liters of water per day;
• you should increase the amount of greens and vegetables in your diet;
• It is better to have porridge for breakfast, to which you can add dried apricots, raisins and other dried fruits.

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Use folic acid for psoriasis. during pregnancy

In case of development of psoriasis during pregnancy, it is allowed to use medications containing folic acid - it helps to reduce the severity of the manifestations of the disease, and also has a calming effect.

Contraindications

Among the contraindications:

• individual intolerance;
• anemia due to vitamin B12 deficiency;
• deficiency of sucrase or isomaltase;
• presence of glucose-galactose malabsorption;
• hypersensitivity to fructose;
• children under 3 years of age.

Prescribed with caution in case of cyanocobalamin deficiency in the body, as well as folate deficiency anemia.

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Side effects folic acid for psoriasis.

Side effects are rare - mostly allergies to the components of the drug. Symptoms include fever, bronchial spasms, skin rash and erythema.

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Overdose

In children, an overdose of vitamin B9 can cause anxiety, increased excitability, and hyperactive behavior. In addition, it can negatively affect kidney function.

With prolonged use of vitamin B9 in therapeutic doses, hypovitaminosis may develop. Its manifestations include pain and redness of the tongue, as well as a deterioration in the body's resistance to various infections and the development of anemia.

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Interactions with other drugs

Anticonvulsants (including carbamazepine and phenytoin), oral contraceptives, and estrogens increase the body's need for folic acid.

Antacid drugs (including magnesium, calcium, and aluminum preparations), sulfonamides (including sulfasalazine), and cholestyramine reduce the rate of absorption of folic acid.

Triamterene, methotrexate, and pyrimethamine with trimethoprim are dihydrofolate reductase inhibitors, thereby reducing the effect of folic acid on the body.

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Storage conditions

Folic acid should be stored in standard conditions - a dark, dry place, inaccessible to children. Temperature conditions - maximum 25°C.

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Shelf life

Folic acid can be used within 3 years from the date of manufacture of the drug.

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Reviews

Folic acid for psoriasis has a good reputation among patients - they speak positively about the drug, noting a significant improvement in the condition of the skin, as well as well-being. But it should be taken into account that a positive effect is possible only in the case of complex treatment, an integral element of which is the vitamin - monotherapy will not give the desired result.