Can I dilute 1g of folic acid in 100ml of Normal Saline (NS) or Dextrose 5% in Water (D5W) for intravenous administration?

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Last updated: July 3, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Research

No, you should not dilute 1g of folic acid in 100ml of NS or D5W for intravenous administration. The typical intravenous dose of folic acid is much lower, usually 1-5mg per dose, as seen in studies such as 1 which administered 2mg of folic acid intravenously. A 1g (1000mg) dose would be excessive and potentially dangerous. For proper IV administration, folic acid should be diluted at appropriate concentrations (typically 5mg/ml) and administered at a rate of 5mg per minute. When administering folic acid intravenously, it should be diluted in NS or D5W, but using the correct dosage is critical. Folic acid toxicity can occur with excessive doses, potentially causing nausea, irritability, and in severe cases, neurological symptoms.

Some key points to consider when preparing IV medications include:

  • Following established protocols for medication preparation
  • Consulting pharmacy resources for specific dilution instructions
  • Ensuring the correct dosage is used to avoid toxicity
  • Being aware of the stability of folic acid in different solutions, as studied in 2, which found folic acid to be stable for 48 hours in certain conditions.

Always prioritize patient safety and follow best practice standards, as outlined in studies such as 3, which emphasizes the importance of safe preparation and administration of intravenous therapy and medicines.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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