Hydroxocobalamin side effects: Side effects of hydroxocobalamin – NHS
Side effects of hydroxocobalamin – NHS
Like all medicines, hydroxocobalamin can cause side effects in some people, but not everyone gets them.
Common side effects
There are things you can do to help cope with these common side effects of hydroxocobalamin:
Pain, swelling or itchy skin where you had the injection
These symptoms are usually mild and should only last a few hours. You can ask a pharmacist to recommend a mild painkiller if the pain is bothering you.
Feeling or being sick (nausea or vomiting)
Stick to simple meals and avoid rich or spicy food. If you’re being sick, try small, frequent sips of water to avoid dehydration.
If you take contraceptive pills and you’re being sick, your contraception may not protect you from pregnancy.
Check the pill packet for advice.
Diarrhoea
Drink plenty of fluids, such as water or squash, to avoid dehydration. Signs of dehydration include peeing less than usual or having dark strong-smelling pee.
If you take contraceptive pills and you have severe diarrhoea for more than 24 hours, your contraception may not protect you from pregnancy. Check the pill packet for advice.
Headaches
Make sure you rest and drink plenty of fluids. Do not drink too much alcohol. Ask your pharmacist to recommend a painkiller.
Talk to your doctor if the headaches are severe or last longer than a few days.
Feeling dizzy
Stop what you’re doing, and sit or lie down until you feel better. Do not drive, ride a bike or use tools or machinery until you stop feeling dizzy.
Hot flushes
Try cutting down on alcohol and drinks containing caffeine, such as tea, coffee, cola and energy drinks.
It might help to use a fan to keep the room cool. You could also spray your face with cool water or sip cold or iced drinks.
The flushing should go away after a few days. If it does not go away, or if it’s causing you problems, contact your doctor.
Speak to a doctor or pharmacist if the advice on how to cope does not help and a side effect is still bothering you or does not go away.
Serious side effects
Serious side effects are very rare.
Tell your doctor or contact 111 immediately if you get irregular heartbeats or heartbeats that suddenly become more noticeable (palpitations) after having treatment.
Go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111.
Serious allergic reaction
In rare cases, hydroxocobalamin can cause a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).
Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to A&E now if:
- you get a skin rash that may include itchy, red, swollen, blistered or peeling skin
- you’re wheezing
- you get tightness in the chest or throat
- you have trouble breathing or talking
- your mouth, face, lips, tongue or throat start swelling
You could be having a serious allergic reaction and may need immediate treatment in hospital.
Other side effects
These are not all the side effects of hydroxocobalamin. For a full list, see the leaflet inside your medicine’s packet.
Information:
You can report any suspected side effect using the Yellow Card safety scheme.
Visit Yellow Card for further information.
Page last reviewed: 13 October 2022
Next review due: 13 October 2025
Hydroxocobalamin Intramuscular: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing
Uses
Hydroxocobalamin is a man-made injectable form of vitamin B12 used to treat low levels (deficiency) of this vitamin. Vitamin B12 helps your body use fat and carbohydrates for energy and make new protein. It is also important for normal blood, cells, and nerves. Most people get enough vitamin B12 in their diet, but a deficiency may occur in certain health conditions (such as poor nutrition, stomach/intestinal problems, infection, cancer).
Serious vitamin B12 deficiency may result in anemia, stomach problems, and nerve damage.
How to use Hydroxocobalamin Vial
This medication is given by injection into a muscle as directed by your doctor. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Injections may be given daily when you first start treatment. Certain medical conditions (such as pernicious anemia) may require you to continue receiving injections every month.
If you are giving this medication to yourself at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.
Side Effects
Pain at the injection site, mild diarrhea, itching, or a feeling of swelling all over the body may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
This medication may cause low potassium levels in the blood (hypokalemia). Tell your doctor right away if any of these serious side effects occur: muscle cramps, weakness, irregular heartbeat.
People who have a rare blood disorder (polycythemia vera) may rarely have symptoms related to this disorder while taking hydroxocobalamin. Get medical help right away if any of these very serious symptoms occur: chest pain (especially with shortness of breath), weakness on one side of the body, sudden vision changes, trouble speaking.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Precautions
Before using hydroxocobalamin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to cobalt; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: low potassium blood levels (hypokalemia), gout, a certain blood disorder (polycythemia vera), a certain eye disease (Leber’s disease), other vitamin/mineral deficiencies (especially folic acid and iron).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
Based on information from related drugs, this medication may pass into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Interactions
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval.
Does Hydroxocobalamin Vial interact with other drugs you are taking?
Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker
Overdose
Overdose with this medication is very unlikely. However, if someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911.
Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.
Do not share this medication with others.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as blood potassium levels, complete blood count, hematocrit, vitamin B12 levels) should be done while you are using this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.
This product is not a substitute for a proper diet. Remember that it is best to get your vitamins from healthy foods. Vitamin B12 is commonly found in many foods from animals, especially liver, kidney, fish and shellfish, meat, and dairy foods.
It is important to get each dose of this medication as scheduled. If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right away for a new dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Consult the product instructions and your pharmacist for storage details.
Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
Images
hydroxocobalamin 1,000 mcg/mL intramuscular solution
Color: dark redShape: Imprint:
This medicine is a dark red, vial
Next
Save up to 80% on your prescriptions.
Available coupons
Save up to 80% on your prescription with WebMDRx
Drug Survey
Are you currently using Hydroxocobalamin Vial?
This survey is being conducted by the WebMD marketing sciences department.
Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.
CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
Today on WebMD
Rec.INN drug interaction Pharmacological action Belongs to the group of water-soluble vitamins. Converts to the active coenzyme form in the body faster than cyanocobalamin. Longer stored in the blood, tk. binds more strongly to plasma proteins and is more slowly excreted in the urine. Indications of the active substance |
It is a metabolite of cyanocobalamin. In contrast, in the hydroxocobalamin molecule, the cobalt atom is bonded not to the cyano but to the hydroxy group. Necessary for the process of hematopoiesis, the formation of epithelial cells, the functioning of the nervous system (due to the effect on myelin synthesis).| D51.0 | Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia due to intrinsic factor 9 deficiency0027 |
D51. 9 | Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia, unspecified |
| h57.2 | Optic atrophy |
Dosage regimen
IM – 250-1000 mcg/day for 1-2 weeks. Maintenance dose – 1000 mcg 1 time in 2-3 months (if necessary during life). The initial dose, frequency of administration and duration of treatment are determined according to the scheme depending on the disease.
Side effects
Rare: allergic reactions (itching, exanthema, anaphylactic reactions), nausea, dizziness, arrhythmia (possible at the beginning of treatment).
Contraindications for use
Hypersensitivity to hydroxocobalamin.
Use in pregnancy and lactation
Do not use hydroxocobalamin in megaloblastic anemia of pregnancy.
Use in the elderly
May be used as indicated.
Special instructions
Before starting therapy, the diagnosis should be verified, because the use of hydroxocobalamin at a dose of more than 10 mcg / day can cause a hematological response in patients with folic acid deficiency.
Unjustified use of hydroxocobalamin may mask the true diagnosis.
Drug interactions
When used simultaneously with aminoglycosides, biguanides, chloramphenicol, cholestyramine, anticonvulsants, cimetidine, colchicine, potassium salts, methyldopa, the absorption of hydroxocobalamin is reduced.
When used simultaneously with hormonal contraceptives for oral administration, a decrease in the concentration of hydroxocobalamin in the blood plasma is noted.
Indications, what helps, composition
THERE ARE CONTRAINDICATIONS. POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS. A SPECIALIST’S CONSULTATION IS REQUIRED. Vitamins of the B group
24 3510869 reg. number 31955
All authors
Contents of the article
- Cyanocobalamin: what does the body need?
- Cyanocobalamin indications
- Cyanocobalamin in ampoules for what?
- Methylcobalamin or Cyanocobalamin: which is better?
- Summary
- Ask an expert on the topic of the article
Cyanocobalamin is commonly called vitamin B12.
But this is only partly correct. Vitamin B12 is a group of biologically active substances-cobalamins with the same activity. These are cyanocobalamin, hydroxocobalamin and their derivatives methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin. Their molecules are unique because they contain cobalt and are the largest among vitamins. No other vitamin contains metals in its structure.
The cyanocobalamin molecule is distinguished by the presence of a CN group, from which it got its name: CN – cyan and cobalt – cobalamin. A person receives this vitamin only with protein animal food; it is not found in food of plant origin. With a deficiency of vitamin B12, Cyanocobalamin drugs are used. In medical practice, it is cyanocobalamin that is called vitamin B12.
In the article we talk about Cyanocobalamin: what kind of vitamin it is and why it is so important for a person, when it is prescribed and how it differs from methylcobalamin.
Cyanocobalamin: what does the body need?
Cyanocobalamin is involved in carbohydrate, protein, lipid metabolism and is necessary for many body functions.
We list the main and most important of them:
- participates in hematopoiesis, is responsible for the production of red blood cells and their maturation without defects, increases the effectiveness of iron, prevents anemia, affects the blood coagulation system
- stimulates cell and tissue regeneration, improves protein digestion, activates cell division, prevents diseases of the liver, kidneys, heart, participates in the synthesis of the protective myelin layer of neurons
- increases the content of methionine and choline, which have a positive effect on the functioning of the brain, nervous system, mental state and mental activity
Vitamin B12 improves the condition of skin, hair and nails. Due to its regenerating properties, Cyanocobalamin is included in the composition of cosmetic and therapeutic products for the face and for strengthening hair: masks, shampoos, balms, vitamin complexes (Alerana vitamins for hair, Merz Special Dragee).
All products Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12)
20 reviews
Cyanocobalamin indications
The official instructions for Cyanocobalamin and RLS (Register of Medicines) contain the following indications for the use of the drug:
- anemia associated with vitamin B12 deficiency
- complex treatment of iron deficiency and aplastic anemia, as well as anemia after blood loss or poisoning with toxic / medicinal substances
- Adjunctive therapy for chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, liver, alcoholism and liver failure
- neuralgia, polyneuritis, radiculitis, cerebral palsy, Down’s disease
- chronic eating disorder
- psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, photodermatosis
- conditions associated with malabsorption of vitamin B12: resection of the stomach and intestines, Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, radiation sickness, tumors of the pancreas and intestines
- stress, prolonged infections, kidney disease, diet
- taking drugs that impair the absorption of vitamin
Cyanocobalamin in ampoules for what?
Cyanocobalamin in ampoules is produced mainly by Russian manufacturers.
In the form of tablets or capsules, vitamin B12 is less present, as a rule, these are dietary supplements, for example, Blagomin B12. In Russia, only one drug in tablets is registered – this is B12 Ankermann of the German company WOERWAG PHARMA.
The answer to the question: “Cyanocobalamin in ampoules – what are injections used for?” are all of the listed indications for the drug. With neuritis, neuralgia and
Neuropathies are usually prescribed a complex of three B vitamins in ampoules: Cyanocobalamin (B12), Thiamine (B1) and Pyridoxine (B6). When injecting, three vitamins cannot be mixed in one syringe, since the cobalt in the B12 molecule destroys them.
Methylcobalamin or Cyanocobalamin: which is better?
Cyanocobalamin is converted in the liver to Methylcobalamin, which has the same B12-vitamin activity. The two substances differ in that the cyano group of the first is replaced by a methyl radical in the second.
Which is better Methylcobalamin or Cyanocobalamin? As a drug in Russia, only Cyanocobalamin is registered, while it is a medicine with proven efficacy.
Methylcobalamin is produced in the form of dietary supplements, which, as a rule, lack clinical trials, clear regulation of excipients, and strict quality control.
Summary
- Vitamin B12 Cyanocobalamin plays an important role in hematopoiesis, cell and tissue regeneration processes, brain and nervous system function, and in the metabolism of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.
- The main indications for the appointment of Cyanocobalamin are anemia, neuralgia, neuritis, diseases of the liver, intestines, skin.
- For neuritis, neuralgia and neuropathy, a complex of three B vitamins in ampoules is usually prescribed: Cyanocobalamin (B12), Thiamine (B1) and Pyridoxine (B6).
- Cyanocobalamin is converted in the liver to Methylcobalamin, which has the same B12-vitamin activity.
Ask an expert about the topic of the article
Still have questions? Ask them in the comments below and our experts will answer you.