Hydroxocobalamin
Description
Hydroxocobalamin is an injectable form of vitamin B12 that is mainly used to treat vitamin B12 deficiency due to dietary deficiency or malabsorption. It is used as an antidote to cyanide poisoning and to treat various types of anemia caused due to vitamin B12 deficiency. Hydroxocobalamin is also given for the treatment of tobacco amblyopia (sight impairment caused by tobacco) and Leber’s optic atrophy (degeneration of the optic nerve which causes loss of vision).
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Hydroxocobalamin
- Red colored urine
- Redness on skin
- Blurred vision
- Dizziness
- Nervousness
- Headache
- Fast or slow heartbeat
- Difficulty in breathing
- Swelling of the face or lips
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Pain at injection site
Uses of Hydroxocobalamin
What is it prescribed for?
- Vitamin B12 deficiency
- Cyanide Poisoning
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe amount of time taken by Hydroxocobalamin to show its effect is subject to vary based on the individual and intended use.
- Duration of effectThe amount of time for which Hydroxocobalamin remains effective is subject to vary based on the individual and intended use.
- Safe with alcohol?Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
- Is it habit forming?No habit-forming tendencies were reported.
- Usage in pregnancy?Hydroxocobalamin is recommended for use in pregnant women only when necessary and the potential benefits outweigh the risks involved. Consult your doctor and determine the appropriate dose before receiving Hydroxocobalamin.
- Usage while breast-feeding?Hydroxocobalamin is recommended for use in breastfeeding women only when necessary and the potential benefits outweigh the risks involved. Consult your doctor and determine the appropriate dose before receiving Hydroxocobalamin.
Allergy
This supplement is not recommended for use in patients with a known allergy to hydroxocobalamin or any other inactive ingredients present along with it.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
Hydroxocobalamin is recommended for use in pregnant women only when necessary and the potential benefits outweigh the risks involved. Consult your doctor and determine the appropriate dose before receiving Hydroxocobalamin.
Breast-feeding
Hydroxocobalamin is recommended for use in breastfeeding women only when necessary and the potential benefits outweigh the risks involved. Consult your doctor and determine the appropriate dose before receiving Hydroxocobalamin.
General warnings
Heart problems
Use of Hydroxocobalamin should be done with caution in patients with heart problems. Close monitoring of the clinical condition, appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be necessary based on the clinical condition.
Megaloblastic anemia
Use of Hydroxocobalamin should be done with caution in patients with megaloblastic anemia (a blood disorder). Close monitoring of the clinical condition, appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be necessary based on the clinical condition.
Anaphylactic reactions
Use of Hydroxocobalamin is not recommended in patients with a known history of anaphylactic reactions to hydroxocobalamin or cyanocobalamin. An alternative treatment option should be considered based on clinical condition.
Hypertension
Hydroxocobalamin may increase the blood pressure in some patients on therapy. Close monitoring of blood pressure levels, appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be necessary based on the clinical condition.
Other medicines
Many medicines interact with Hydroxocobalamin and may decrease the absorption of this supplement. Hence, it is advised that you report to the doctor all your current medicines including any herbs and supplements before beginning treatment with Hydroxocobalamin.
Use in children
The safety and efficacy of Hydroxocobalamin for cyanide poisoning have not been clinically established in children below 18 years of age.
Hypokalemia
Hydroxocobalamin may decrease the potassium levels (Hypokalemia) in some patients. Close monitoring of potassium levels is necessary while receiving therapy with this supplement. Appropriate corrective measures, dose adjustments, or replacement with a suitable alternative may be necessary based on the clinical condition.
Missed Dose
Since Hydroxocobalamin is administered by a qualified healthcare professional in the clinical/hospital setting, the likelihood of a missed dose is very low. If you miss a scheduled dose of Hydroxocobalamin, contact your doctor for further instructions.
Overdose
Since Hydroxocobalamin is administered in the hospital setting by a qualified healthcare professional, the likelihood of an overdose is very less. However, emergency medical treatment will be initiated by the doctor if an overdose is suspected.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Chloramphenicol
Disease interactions
Leber's Disease
Hydroxocobalamin is not recommended for use in patients who have Leber's Disease, a rare genetic disorder. An alternative treatment option should be considered based on clinical condition.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Hydroxocobalamin is usually administered in the clinical/hospital setting under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. Follow all the instructions given by your doctor. Inform the doctor if you have a known allergy to Hydroxocobalamin. Report all your current medicines as well as your medical conditions to the doctor before receiving Hydroxocobalamin.
Miscelleneous
How it works
Hydroxocobalamin works by facilitating the enzymes responsible for the production of vital components and energy inside a cell. It also plays a major role in the formation of blood components. In cyanide poisoning, it works by removing the cyanide from the body through urination. It also helps to keep the nerves healthy.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Vitamins, Antidotes
Schedule
Schedule H
[Internet]. Drugbank.ca. 2018 [cited 26 December 2018]. Available from:
[Internet]. Pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. 2018 [cited 26 December 2018]. Available from:
[Internet]. Medicines.org.uk. 2018 [cited 26 December 2018]. Available from:
[Internet]. Mhra.gov.uk. 2018 [cited 26 December 2018]. Available from:
[Internet]. Meridianmeds.com. 2018 [cited 26 December 2018]. Available from:
Information on this page was last updated on 19 Mar 2019
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.