CALCIUM MEFOLINATE HEXAL ® is a drug based on Calcium mefolinate
THERAPEUTIC GROUP: All other therapeutic products - Detoxifying substances for cytostatic treatments
Indications CALCIUM MEFOLINATE HEXAL ® Calcium mefolinate
CALCIUM MEFOLINATE HEXAL ® is indicated in the prophylaxis and treatment of folate deficiencies, due to increased need or reduced absorption.
The same drug can be used in the treatment of aminopterin and methotrexate side effects.
Mechanism of action CALCIUM MEFOLINATE HEXAL ® Calcium mefolinate
Calcium mefolinate, salt of 5 methyltetrahydrofolate, represents the biologically active equivalent of folic acid, a vitamin involved in the transfer of carbonaceous units, important in supporting the synthesis of nucleotides such as thymine and the oragnic detoxification of toxic substances such as homocysteine.
More precisely, 5 methyltetrahydrofolate together with vitamin B12, through a series of chemical reactions that occur with the transfer of single-carbon units, guarantees:
- The synthesis of thymine, therefore of nucleic acids, is important in maintaining the replicative capacity of high turnover cells, preserving the correct activity of both the hematopoietic and immune systems;
- Homocysteine detoxification, an important marker of cardiovascular risk, whose high blood concentrations are often accompanied by the onset of serious pathologies.
- The synthesis of methyl groups, necessary for the cell to control gene expression and maintain good basic enzymatic activity.
Therefore, folate deficiency is often associated with the appearance of neurological, haematopoietic and cardiovascular disorders which, in the case of pregnant women, could seriously affect the health of the unborn child, seriously compromising their health and quality of life.
Studies carried out and clinical efficacy
1.ENZYMATIC POLYMORPHISMS AND RISK OF HEAD NECK CANCER.
Braz J Med Biol Res. 2010 May; 43: 445-50. Epub 2010 Apr 23.
5-Methyltetrahydrofolate-homocysteine methyltransferase gene polymorphism (MTR) and risk of head and neck cancer.
Galbiatti AL, Ruiz MT, Biselli-Chicote PM, Raposo LS, Maniglia JV, Pavarino-Bertelli EC, Goloni-Bertollo EM.
Work that demonstrates a possible association between enzymatic polymorphisms of methyltetrahydrofolate - homocysteine reductase and the risk of developing head and neck tumors with involvement of neighboring lymph nodes.
2. LACK OF FOLATES AND NEUROLOGICAL SYMPTOMS
J Child Neurol. 2010 Jul; 25: 898-900. Epub 2010 May 5.
Cerebral folate deficiency presenting as adolescent catatonic schizophrenia: a case report.
I A, Michelson D, Aaen G, Ashwal S.
Interesting case report that demonstrates the importance of folate in neurological activity. More precisely, the folate deficiency in this young patient seems to be responsible for irritability, slowing of the growth of the head circumference, progressive cognitive and motor deterioration and catatonic schizophrenia.
3.METHYL TETRAHYDROFOLATE AS A PRE-CLINICAL MARKER
J Neurol Sci. 2010 Jun 15; 293 (1-2): 102-5. Epub 2010 Mar 23.
Decreased level of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate: a potential biomarker for pre-symptomatic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Zhang X, Chen S, Li L, Wang Q, Le W.
Further study that demonstrates the importance of folates and their blood concentrations as a marker of serious pathologies.
More precisely, in these experimental models, methyltetrahydrofolate deficiency represented an early and pre-symptomatic marker of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Method of use and dosage
CALCIUM MEFOLINATE HEXAL ®
Gastro-resistant tablets of 19.18 mg of 5 methyltetrahydrofolate of calcium, equal to 15 mg of acid;
The intake of CALCIUM MEFOLINATE HEXAL ® and the definition of the relative dosage schedules must be carried out under strict medical advice.
Generally, it is recommended to take one tablet a day or every other day, depending on the clinical picture and the therapeutic indication.
It is important to remember not to chew the tablets, in order to preserve the integrity of the active ingredient, by taking them with a little water, preferably in the morning.
Warnings CALCIUM MEFOLINATE HEXAL ® Calcium mefolinate
The administration of CALCIUM MEFOLINATE HEXAL ® should be combined with that of vitamin B12, in the course of deficient pathologies characterized by megaloblastic anemia and neurological symptoms.
It is useful to remember how methyltetrahydrofolate can alter the normal properties of anticonvulsant and antiepileptic drugs requiring a dosage adjustment.
CALCIUM MEFOLINATE HEXAL ® contains lactose, therefore its intake is not recommended in patients with lactose intolerance, lactase enzyme deficiency and glucose / galactose malabsorption syndrome.
PREGNANCY AND BREASTFEEDING
Pregnant women and breastfeeding women can take CALCIUM MEFOLINATE HEXAL ®, provided that this intake is supervised by their doctor and therefore there is a therapeutic need.
Interactions
The 5 methyltetrahydrofolate allows to minimize all the potential drug interactions, foreseen for folic acid, therefore making the assumption of CALCIUM MEFOLINATE HEXAL ® when safe and predictable.
However, it is useful to remember how the concomitant intake of anticonvulsant drugs could lead to a reduction in blood folate concentrations.
Contraindications CALCIUM MEFOLINATE HEXAL ® Calcium mefolinate
The use of CALCIUM MEFOLINATE HEXAL ® is contraindicated in patients hypersensitive to the active principle or to one of its excipients.
Undesirable Effects - Side Effects
The intake of CALCIUM MEFOLINATE HEXAL ® is generally well tolerated and free from particular side effects.
Despite this, in rare cases, gastrointestinal disturbances and hypersensitivity manifestations such as fever, arterial hypotension, dermatological manifestations, tachycardia, bronchospasm and in the most severe cases anaphylactic shock have been observed.
Note
CALCIUM MEFOLINATE HEXAL ® can only be sold with a medical prescription.
The information on CALCIUM MEFOLINATE HEXAL ® Calcium mepholinate published on this page may be out of date or incomplete. For a correct use of this information, see the Disclaimer and useful information page.
