Chemical Barriers to Folic Acid

The following drugs may inhibit folic acid from being absorbed or used by the body:

Class

Types

Examples

Antacids and Anti-Ulcer Medications [76]

 

Histamine-2 blockers; proton pump inhibitors

Folic Acid Antagonist Drugs [41]

Antiseizure medications [121]

Carbamazepine;
Valproic Acid;
Divalproex Sodium;
Phenytoin;
Phenobarbital

Dihydrofolate Reductase Inhibitors

 

  • Anticancer Drugs [41]

 

Aminopterin;
Methotrexate

  • Antibiotics/Antibacterials [39]

Sulfasalazine;
Pyrimethamine;
Trimethoprim;
Trimetrexate
 

  • Sodium Channel-Blocking Potassium Sparing Diuretics [41]

 

Triamterene

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS) [75]
  

 

Aspirin;
Ibuprofen

Oral hypoglycemic agents [111]

 

 

Metformin

Other

Alcohol [74]

 

 

 

Cigarettes and smoking [75]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commonly used drugs can be barriers to folic acid absorption. It is important to counsel individuals with this in mind and be aware of the guidelines and recommendations for folate/folic acid.