Q. Does folic acid react with perscribed medications which could lower its effectiveness?

A. There is some evidence that Folic Acid interferes and reacts with several of the drugs used in treating epilepsy. If you are on these types of medication and you are thinking of becoming pregnant you should discuss if you should be taking Folic Acid with your doctor. Aspirin, ibuprofen and acetaminphen and other anti-inflammatories taken for a long period of time can increase the body's need for folic acid so it is wise to take a supplement.

Tetracycline - Folic Acid should not be taken at the same time as this antibiotic because it interferes with the absorption and effectiveness.

Sulfasalazine - a medication used for ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, may reduce the absorption of folic acid, leading to lower levels of folic acid in the blood.

Methotrexate - a medication used to treat cancer and rheumatoid arthritis, increases the body's need for Folic Acid. Folic Acid reduces the side effects of methotrexate without decreasing its effectiveness.

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