MEFOLINATED CALCIUM HEXAL ® is a calcium mefolinate based drug
THERAPEUTIC GROUP: All other therapeutic products - Detoxifying substances for cytostatic treatments
IndicationsAction mechanismStudies and clinical effectiveness Usage and dosage instructionsWarnings Pregnancy and lactationInteractionsContraindicationsUndesirable effects
Indications CALCIO MEFOLINATO HEXAL ® Calcium mefolinato
MEFOLINATO Calcium HEXAL ® is indicated in the prophylaxis and treatment of folate deficiencies, due to increased need or reduced absorption.
The same medicine can be used in the treatment of side effects from aminopterin and methotrexate.
Mode of action CALCIO MEFOLINATO HEXAL ® Calcium mefolinato
Calcium mepholinate, a 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 oragnic detoxification from toxic substances such as homocysteine.
More precisely, the 5 methyltetrahydrofolate together with vitamin B12, through a series of chemical reactions that occur with the transfer of monocarbonous units, guarantees:
- The synthesis of thymine, therefore of nucleic acids, is important in maintaining the replicative capacity of cells with high turnover, 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 a good basic enzymatic activity.
Folate deficiency, therefore, is often associated with the onset of neurological, hematopoietic and cardiovascular disorders which, in the case of pregnant women, could seriously affect the health of the unborn child, seriously compromising its health and quality of life.
Studies carried out and clinical efficacy
1. ENZYMATIC POLYMORPHISMS AND RISK OF TUMOR HEAD NECK.
Braz J Med Biol Res. 2010 May; 43 (5): 445-50. Epub 2010 Apr 23.
Work demonstrating a possible association between methyltetrahydrofolate - homocysteine reductase enzymatic polymorphisms and risk of developing head and neck tumors involving neighboring lymph nodes.
2.CARENZA OF FOLATE AND NEUROLOGICAL SYMPTOMS
J Child Neurol. 2010 Jul; 25 (7): 898-900. Epub 2010 May 5.
Interesting case report that demonstrates the importance of folates in neurological activity. More precisely, the lack of folate in this young patient seems to be responsible for irritability, slowing of head growth, progressive cognitive and motor deterioration and catatonic schizophrenia.
3. THE METHYLTETRAIDROFOLATE AS A PRE-CLINICAL MARKER
J Neurol Sci. 2010 Jun 15; 293 (1-2): 102-5. Epub 2010 Mar 23.
Further study showing 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
MEFOLINATED CALCIUM HEXAL ®
19.18 mg gastro-resistant tablets of calcium methyltetrahydrofolate, equivalent to 15 mg of acid;
the intake of CALCIO MEFOLINATO HEXAL ® and the definition of the relative posologic schemes must take place under strict medical indication.
In general, we recommend taking 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, taking them with a little water, preferably in the morning.
Warnings MEFOLINATED CALCIUM HEXAL ® Calcium mefolinato
The administration of MEFOLINATED CALCIUM HEXAL ® should be combined with that of vitamin B12, during deficiency pathologies characterized by megaloblastic anemia and neurological symptoms.
It is useful to remember that methyltetrahydrofolate can alter the normal properties of anticonvulsant and antiepileptic drugs, requiring an adjustment of the dosage.
MEFOLINATED CALCIUM HEXAL ® contains lactose, therefore its use is not recommended in patients with lactose intolerance, lactase enzyme deficiency and glucose / galactose malabsorption syndrome.
PREGNANCY AND BREASTFEEDING
Pregnant women and lactating women can take CALCIUM MEFOLINATO HEXAL ®, as long as this intake is supervised by their doctor and therefore the therapeutic need exists.
Interactions
5-methyltetrahydrofolate reduces all potential drug interactions to a minimum, but is expected for folic acid, thus making HEXAL ® MEFOLINATED CALCIO intake safe and predictable.
However, it is useful to remember how the simultaneous intake of anticonvulsant drugs could lead to a reduction in blood concentrations of folates.
Contraindications CALCIO MEFOLINATO HEXAL ® Calcium mefolinato
The use of CALCIO MEFOLINATO HEXAL ® is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to the active ingredient or to one of its excipients.
Undesirable effects - Side effects
The intake of MEFOLINATED CALCIUM HEXAL ® is generally well tolerated and free of particular side effects.
Despite this, in rare cases, gastrointestinal disorders and hypersensitivity manifestations such as fever, arterial hypotension, dermatologic manifestations, tachycardia, bronchospasm and in more severe cases anaphylactic shock have been observed.
Note
MEFOLINATED CALCIUM HEXAL ® is sold exclusively with a medical prescription.
