Indications
Calcium Folinate is indicated in:
· To diminish the toxicity and counteract the effect of impaired Methotrexate elimination.
· To treat the Megaloblastic anemia due to folate deficiency, as in sprue, nutritional deficiency.
· To treat the Megaloblastic anemia of pregnancy and infancy.
Dosage & Administration
· Oral Reduction of harmful effects of folic acid antagonists such as Methotrexate, Trimethoprim etc: The dose is usually one 5-15mg tablet every 6 hours for 2 to 3 days. Megaloblastic anemia: In the treatment of Megaloblastic anemia, the dose is one 5-15 mg tablet daily. Or, as directed by the registered physician.
· Intravenous Advanced Colorectal Cancer: Leucovorin is administered at 200 mg/m by slow intravenous injection followed by 5-fluorouracil at 370 mg/m by intravenous injection. Or 20 mg/m 2 by slow intravenous injection followed by 5-fluorouracil at 425 mg/m by intravenous injection. Treatment is repeated daily for 5 days. This 5 day treatment course may be repeated at 4 weeks interval, for 2 courses and then may repeated at 4-5 weekly intervals if the patient has recovered completely from the toxic effects of the prior treatment course. Folinic acid rescue after high dose Methotrexate Therapy: Leucovorin starts 24 hours after the beginning of the methotrexate infusion at dose of 15mg (10 mg/m ) every 6 hours for 10 doses.
· Intramuscular Folate deficient megaloboastic anaemia: Up to 1 mg/day. Or, as directed by the registered physician.
Side Effects
· Allergic reaction: one may experience a sudden itchy rash (hives), swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, face, lips, mouth or throat (which may cause difficulty in swallowing or breathing).
· Fits and fainting.