Discover the uses, side effects, and warnings of methylcobalamin, a form of vitamin B12, and how it can benefit your health.

Understanding Methylcobalamin: An Overview

Methylcobalamin is a form of vitamin B12 that plays a crucial role in various bodily functions. It is primarily used to treat vitamin B12 deficiency, a condition that can lead to anemia, nerve damage, and other health problems. Methylcobalamin is often prescribed for individuals with pernicious anemia, diabetes, and other conditions that may contribute to B12 deficiency.

Methylcobalamin Uses: Addressing Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Methylcobalamin is primarily used to treat vitamin B12 deficiency, which can occur due to various reasons, such as:

• Pernicious anemia: An autoimmune condition that affects the stomach’s ability to produce intrinsic factor, which is necessary for the absorption of vitamin B12.
• Dietary deficiencies: Individuals who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet may have an increased risk of B12 deficiency, as this vitamin is primarily found in animal-based foods.
• Malabsorption disorders: Conditions that affect the intestines, such as Crohn’s disease or celiac disease, can impair the body’s ability to absorb vitamin B12.
• Certain medications: Some medications, such as proton pump inhibitors and metformin, can interfere with B12 absorption.

Potential Benefits of Methylcobalamin

In addition to treating vitamin B12 deficiency, methylcobalamin may also provide the following potential benefits:

• Supports brain and nerve function: Vitamin B12 is essential for the proper functioning of the brain and nervous system, and methylcobalamin may help maintain cognitive health and prevent nerve damage.
• Promotes red blood cell production: Vitamin B12 is necessary for the formation of red blood cells, and methylcobalamin may help address anemia by improving red blood cell counts.
• May improve diabetic neuropathy: Some studies suggest that methylcobalamin may help alleviate the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy, a common complication of diabetes.

Methylcobalamin Dosage and Administration

Methylcobalamin is available in various dosage forms, including:

• Oral tablets, capsules, and lozenges
• Sublingual (under the tongue) tablets
• Injectable solutions

The recommended dosage of methylcobalamin can vary depending on the individual’s specific needs and the condition being treated. It is important to follow the instructions on the medication label or as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Methylcobalamin should not be taken in excess, as it can lead to potential side effects.

Potential Side Effects and Interactions

Methylcobalamin is generally well-tolerated, but like any medication, it can cause some side effects. Common side effects may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and headache. In rare cases, more serious side effects such as allergic reactions may occur.

It is important to inform your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions and any other medications you are taking, as methylcobalamin may interact with certain drugs, such as chloramphenicol, colchicine, and some diabetes medications.

Considerations for Special Populations

Certain groups may require special considerations when taking methylcobalamin:

• Pregnant and breastfeeding women: Methylcobalamin may be safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding, but it is important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the appropriate dosage.
• Children: Methylcobalamin should not be given to children without medical advice, as the appropriate dosage may vary based on the child’s age and weight.
• Individuals with Leber’s disease or other forms of optic nerve damage: These individuals may be at a higher risk of experiencing adverse effects and should consult with their healthcare provider before using methylcobalamin.

Maximizing the Benefits of Methylcobalamin

To ensure the safe and effective use of methylcobalamin, it is important to:

• Follow the instructions on the medication label or as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
• Inform your healthcare provider about any changes in your diet, medical conditions, or other medications you are taking, as these may affect your methylcobalamin dose requirements.
• Store methylcobalamin at room temperature, away from moisture and heat, as directed on the package.
• Seek medical attention if you experience any severe or persistent side effects.

By understanding the uses, dosage, and potential side effects of methylcobalamin, you can work with your healthcare provider to determine if this form of vitamin B12 supplementation is right for you and how to incorporate it into your overall health and wellness plan.

Methylcobalamin vitamin B12 Uses, Side Effects & Warnings

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Generic name: methylcobalamin (vitamin B12) oral/injection [ METH-il-koe-BAL-a-min ]
Brand names: Methyl B-12, Vitamin B12 Methylcobalamin
Dosage forms: injectable solution (1 mg/mL; 10 mg/mL; 5 mg/mL), oral capsule (2000 mcg), oral lozenge (1 mg; 500 mcg), oral tablet, disintegrating (1 mg), sublingual tablet (5000 mcg)
Drug class: Vitamins

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Sep 28, 2022. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is methylcobalamin?

Methylcobalamin is used to treat vitamin B12 deficiency. Vitamin B12 is important for the brain and nerves, and for the production of red blood cells.

Methylcobalamin is sometimes used in people with pernicious anemia, diabetes, and other conditions.

Methylcobalamin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use methylcobalamin if you are allergic to vitamin B12 or cobalt.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• Leber’s disease or other form of optic nerve damage;

• an iron or folic acid deficiency; or

• low levels of potassium in your blood.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Do not give methylcobalamin to a child without medical advice.

How should I use methylcobalamin?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Methylcobalamin oral is taken by mouth.

Methylcobalamin injection is injected into a muscle, usually 1 to 3 times per week. A healthcare provider can teach you how to properly use the medication by yourself.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you don’t understand all instructions.

Do not swallow a lozenge, disintegrating tablet, or sublingual tablet whole. Allow it to dissolve in your mouth without chewing. The sublingual tablet should be placed under your tongue.

Your dose needs may change if you become pregnant, if you breastfeed, or if you eat a vegetarian diet. Tell your doctor about any changes in your diet or medical condition.

For more information you may also consult the Office of Dietary Supplements of the National Institutes of Health, or the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Dietary Reference Intakes (formerly “Recommended Daily Allowances”) listings for more information.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking methylcobalamin?

Avoid drinking large amounts of alcohol. Heavy drinking can make it harder for your body to absorb methylcobalamin.

Methylcobalamin side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Common side effects of methylcobalamin may include:

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;

• loss of appetite; or

• headache.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect methylcobalamin?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• chloramphenicol;

• colchicine

• antibiotic medicine;

• oral diabetes medicine that contains metformin; or

• medicines that reduce stomach acid, such as cimetidine, omeprazole, lansoprazole, Nexium, Prevacid, Prilosec, Zantac, and others.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect methylcobalamin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

More about methylcobalamin

• Check interactions
• Compare alternatives
• Reviews (2)
• Side effects
• Drug class: vitamins

Patient resources

• Patient Information

Professional resources

• Advanced Reading

Related treatment guides

• Dietary Supplementation

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Copyright 1996-2023 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 3.01.

Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Options

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 24, 2023.

What is Anemia?

Anemia is an abnormally low level of red blood cells.

Red blood cells contain hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a protein that carries oxygen in the blood.

Red blood cells are produced in the bone marrow and then released into the bloodstream. Normally, they live for 110 to 120 days. Older red blood cells are removed from the blood by the spleen and liver.

Anemia can occur when the bone marrow does not produce enough red blood cells to replace those that have died. Or it can occur if the red blood cells die or are destroyed more quickly than usual.

Reasons for under-production of red blood cells by the bone marrow include:

• iron deficiency caused by inadequate intake, blood loss, or poor absorption from the intestine
• vitamin B₁₂ deficiency from either a strict vegetarian diet or an inability to absorb vitamin B₁₂ (known as pernicious anemia).
• some infections, such as parvovirus infection
• chronic diseases, especially inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis
• a side effect of some medications, especially chemotherapy
• a disease of the bone marrow, such as aplastic anemia.

When red blood cells are destroyed too quickly, it’s known as hemolytic anemia. This can happen when:

• red blood cells have an abnormally short life span
• there is something wrong with the red blood cells
• the red blood cells are normal but are destroyed by an external process.

Causes of hemolytic anemia include:

• inherited abnormalities of red blood cells, such as sickle cell anemia
• physical damage to red blood cells, which can occur, for example, during heart bypass surgery or as the blood flows through artificial heart valves
• autoimmune hemolytic anemia, a condition in which the body’s immune system mistakenly destroys its own red blood cells
• an enlarged and overactive spleen (hypersplenism), which can trap circulating red blood cells and destroy them before they are old.

Symptoms

Symptoms vary widely. Mild cases often don’t cause any symptoms. The condition may only be discovered during a routine blood test.

In other people, obvious symptoms of anemia can develop. These include:

• pale skin
• fatigue
• weakness
• dizziness
• lightheadedness
• breathlessness.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will review your medical history. He or she will ask you to describe your symptoms.

During your physical examination, your doctor will look for signs of anemia. These include:

• pale skin and fingernails
• rapid pulse
• heart murmur
• enlarged spleen and liver.

This exam will be followed by blood tests to

• measure the levels of red blood cells
• look at the size and shape of red blood cells
• measure the hemoglobin level
• determine the number of immature red blood cells (the bone marrow may pour out immature blood cells in an effort to make up for the anemia).

Your doctor may also order tests to check for blood in your stool. This can identify whether your anemia is caused by blood loss. Other blood tests check for anemia resulting from a lack of iron or certain vitamins in your diet.

Any other tests you may receive will depend on the suspected cause of your anemia.

Expected duration

How long anemia lasts depends on its cause and how easily it can be corrected. If the reason for the anemia is only inadequate intake of iron or vitamin B₁₂, the anemia will start to correct within days of treatment.

Anemia caused by an inherited illness is a lifelong condition. Its impact on a person’s quality of life and life span can vary greatly, and depends on the specific inherited disorder and its severity. Some people don’t have any symptoms. Others have severe, persistent symptoms.

Prevention

Anemia caused by nutritional deficiency can be prevented by eating a healthy diet or taking a vitamin and mineral supplement when iron or B₁₂ intake might be insufficient.

Most other types of anemia cannot be prevented.

Treatment

Treatment of anemia depends on its severity and cause. Severe anemia may require blood transfusion.

Iron and vitamin B₁₂ deficiency require supplements, which are usually taken by mouth.

Anemia caused by a drug is treated by stopping the drug.

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia is usually treated with drugs called corticosteroids first. Other therapies are added if needed.

Inherited hemolytic anemia may require removal of the spleen (a procedure called splenectomy).

Treatment options

The following list of medications are in some way related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

• epoetin alfa
• Procrit
• Vitamin B6
• Reblozyl
• Epogen

View more treatment options

When to call a professional

Call your doctor promptly if you develop symptoms of anemia. Also call if you notice a yellowish tint to your skin or in the whites of your eyes.

If an inherited form of anemia runs in your family, you may wish to consider genetic testing before you start a family.

Prognosis

The outlook for anemia depends on its cause and severity, as well as the underlying health of the affected person.

Cases that are caused by medications or infections usually go away quickly. Anemia caused by chronic diseases tends to be persistent, but is rarely severe.

People with autoimmune hemolytic anemia usually respond well to treatment.

The outlook for people with inherited anemias depends on the type of inherited illness and its severity.

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)

www.nhlbi.nih.gov/

Learn more about Anemia

Treatment options

• Medications for Anemia
• Medications for Pernicious Anemia

Care guides

• Anemia

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Methylcobalamin/Vitamin B12 2500 mcg 60 tabs

Swanson™ Methylcobalamin/Vitamin B12 2500 mcg

Quantity: 60 tabs.

Swanson™ Methylcobalamin / Vitamin B-12 2500 mcg. is an advanced formula vitamin containing Methylcobalamin which is the active form of vitamin B-12 . Unlike other forms of vitamin B-12, this active form does not need to be converted in the human body before the vitamin can work.

Vitamins B-12:

• Needed for energy production†
• Supports a healthy nervous system †
• Supports healthy brain function †
• Due to their rapid absorption, these vitamins can replace injections

Today’s active lifestyle requires a lot of energy. Every day we are forced to follow a tight schedule, and also have some energy in reserve for what we love to do. Such a pace of life requires a significant amount of energy, and therefore, essential vitamin supplements, such as vitamin B-12. † Maintaining adequate levels of Vitamin B-12 in the body is vital to our health, as Vitamin B-12 is a key vitamin in our body’s enzymatic processes and is essential for the body to function properly to keep the nervous system and brain functioning properly. It helps keep us in good shape. †

Vitamin B12 is known to become less effective with age, so it is recommended that vitamin B12 be taken as a daily supplement by persons over 50 years of age. Vitamin B12 is also recommended for vegetarians, as vitamin B12 is mainly found in animal products.

Features of the formula of these vitamins:

• Rapid absorption by the body
• High Bioavailability Formula Methylcobalamin B-12
• Excellent cherry flavor.

These vitamins use an advanced formula that provides high bioavailability of methylcobalamin , in the form of vitamin B-12. This is an active form B-12 and should not be converted. Therefore, sublingual tablets ensure optimal transfer of vitamin B-12 to the human body. Also, sublingual tablets of vitamin B-12 5000 mcg . can replace injections of of this vitamin.

Other Ingredients: Xylitol, microcrystalline cellulose (plant fiber), croscarmellose sodium, crospovidone, carboxymethylcellulose, citric acid, natural cherry flavor, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, calcium palmitate, silica, vegetable juice color [gum rabik, vegetable juice ( Beetroot, Black Carrot, Purple Sweet Potato, Red Cabbage, Red Radish), Maltodextrin, Citric Acid], Stevia Extract (Stevia rebaudiana) (leaf).

Recommended Use:

Take 1-2 tablets per day by placing under the tongue for 30 seconds and then swallowing. USP Verified

This drug has been verified by the United States Pharmacopeia (USP), which is an independent, scientific, non-profit organization that sets strict quality and purity standards for nutritional supplements manufactured and distributed throughout the world.

Our Commitment to Delivering Quality and Value

Since 1969, the Swanson™ brand has been providing high quality nutritional supplements and has earned high praise from customers in that time. Swanson™ vitamins, minerals and supplements are made from carefully selected ingredients sourced from trusted suppliers.

Additives are manufactured in accordance with good manufacturing practices. In addition, many of the ingredients listed above are tested by the United States Pharmacopeia (USP), which is an independent, scientific, non-profit organization that sets strict quality and purity standards for dietary supplements.

Made in USA

OstroVit Vitamin B12 Methylcobalamin 200 tablets

Product form:

tablets

Servings:

800

Pieces:

200

9000 4 Net weight:

38 g

Dominant component:

vitamin B12

EAN -code:

5903933

6

By purchasing this product you will receive: 18.90 pkt.

Product price in stores: 378 pkt.

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OstroVit Vitamin B12 Methylcobalamin 200 tablets

OstroVit Vitamin B12 Methylcobalamin is a dietary supplement from the line of professional vitamins. The product is intended for everyone who wants to supplement their daily diet with vitamin B12.

Vitamin B12 Methylcobalamin

Methylcobalamin is the biologically active form of vitamin B12 recommended for all people who are struggling with the absorption of the non-methyl forms of the vitamin most commonly found in supplements. Methylcobalamin is easily absorbed, stays in tissues longer and does not contain harmful cyanide. Unlike the synthetic form of vitamin B12, it does not convert to methyl directly in the body.

OstroVit Properties Vitamin B12 Methylcobalamin:

• COMPLEX EFFECT – Without enough vitamin B12, our body cannot function properly. Vitamin B12 supports the production of red blood cells and also affects the nervous system, thereby helping you maintain memory and concentration.
• METHYLCOBALAMIN VITAMIN – Methylcobalamin is the best form of vitamin B12 on the market. Compared to the commonly used cyanocobalamin tablets, it is absorbed faster and stays in the body longer. This is a ready-made active substance that does not transform into a simpler form.
• HIGH DOSE – One OstroVit supplement tablet contains 400 micrograms of vitamin B12, equal to four daily doses. With regular use, a package of this supplement lasts for many months.
• VEGAN PRODUCT – If you are a vegetarian, vegan, or rarely eat meat or animal products, vitamin B12 is recommended.

How to use

Take 1 serving (1/4 tablet) per day. This product is intended for adults.

Do not exceed the recommended daily allowance. A food supplement should not be used as a substitute for a varied diet.