Abstract
An epileptic patient developed folic acid deficiency and megaloblastic anemia after prolonged treatment with barbiturates. Discontinuation of the barbiturates and peroral administration of folic acid was followed by repeated epileptic fits. After combined treatment with barbiturates and intramuscular injections of folic acid, the epilepsy was completely controlled and the hemoglobin level returned to normal. The mechanism of precipitation of the epileptic fits by folic acid administration and the decreased absorption of folic acid as a result of barbiturates is discussed. Barbiturate administration should be combined in epileptic patients with folic acid in order to prevent megaloblastic anemia.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 193-194+217 |
| Journal | Harefuah |
| Volume | 93 |
| Issue number | 7-8 |
| State | Published - 1977 |
| Externally published | Yes |