Cyanocobalamin is considered a vitamin B12 that is useful for preventing and treating low levels of this vitamin in the blood. Most people get enough vitamin B12 from their diet. Vitamin B12 is important for maintaining the health of your metabolism, blood cells, and nerves. Severe vitamin B12 deficiency can result in low red blood cell counts (anemia), stomach / intestinal problems, and permanent nerve damage.
Index
Cyanocobalamin – What is it
Cyanocobalamin is a synthetic form of vitamin B 12. Vitamin B 12 is the name of the “generic descriptor” of any vitamin B vitamin. 12. How humans and animals can convert cyanocobalamin to any of the active vitamin compounds B 12, by definition, this makes cyanocobalamin itself a form (or vitamer) of B 12.
Its lack can occur in certain health conditions (such as intestinal / stomach problems, poor nutrition, cancer, HIV infection, pregnancy, old age, alcoholism). It can also occur in people who follow a strict vegetarian (vegan) diet.
Cyanocobalamina – Química
Cyanocobalamin is one of the most widely manufactured vitamers in the vitamin B12 family (the family of chemicals that function like B12 when placed in the body), because cyanocobalamin is the most air-stable form of the B12 forms. It is the easiest to crystallize and therefore the easiest to purify after it is produced by bacterial fermentation, or synthesized in vitro.
Cyanocobalamin – Usos
Cyanocobalamin is generally prescribed after surgical removal of part or all of the stomach or intestine to ensure adequate levels of vitamin B 12 in the serum. It is also used to treat pernicious anemia, vitamin B 12 deficiency (due to low food intake), thyrotoxicosis, bleeding, malignancy, liver disease, and kidney disease.
Cyanocobalamin injections are often prescribed to gastric bypass patients who have bypassed part of the small intestine, making it difficult to acquire vitamin B12 through food or vitamins. Cyanocobamide is also used to perform the Schilling test to verify the ability to absorb vitamin B 12.
Cyanocobalamin – How to use
If you are taking an over-the-counter product for self-treatment, follow all directions on the product package before taking this medication. If you have any questions, ask your pharmacist. If your doctor has directed you to take this medication, take as directed by your doctor.
Take this medication by mouth, usually once a day with or without food, or as directed by your doctor or on the product package. Dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, and laboratory tests. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
There are many brands and forms of cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12) available. Carefully read the dosage instructions for each product. If you are using the liquid form of this medicine, carefully measure the dose with a special measuring device / spoon. Some brands of liquids may require you to shake the bottle well before each dose.
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) can decrease the amount of vitamin B12 you absorb. Avoid taking large doses of vitamin C an hour before or after taking this product. If your condition persists or worsens, or if you think you may have a serious medical problem, seek immediate medical attention.
Cyanocobalamin – Side Effects
This product generally has no side effects. If you have any unusual effects, contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly. If your doctor has directed you to use this medicine, remember that he or she judged the benefit to you to be greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medicine do not have serious side effects.
If you have severe anemia, this drug may rarely cause low levels of potassium in your blood (hypokalemia) as your body makes new red blood cells. Tell your doctor right away if you have any of these unlikely but serious side effects: muscle cramps, weakness, irregular heartbeat.
If you have a rash, itching / swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Cyanocobalamin – Precautions
Before taking cyanocobalamin, tell if you are allergic to it; or to any form of vitamin B12; or to cobalt; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Consult your pharmacist for more details.
If you have any of the following health problems, ask: a certain eye disease (Leber optic neuropathy), a certain blood disorder (polycythemia vera), gout, iron deficiency anemia, or folic acid deficiency.
Orally administered cyanocobalamin should only be used if your body can absorb it properly. You may need a form of vitamin B12 that is injected or inhaled into your nose if you have any of the following health problems: pernicious anemia, food absorption problems, stomach / intestinal surgery (such as gastric bypass or intestinal resection), stomach / bowel disease (such as Crohn’s disease, colitis, diverticulitis, pancreatic insufficiency), small bowel irradiation.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, non-prescription drugs, and herbal products).
Cyanocobalamin is safe to use during pregnancy when taken in recommended doses. Higher doses should be used only when clearly necessary. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Cyanocobalamin passes into breast milk and is unlikely to harm a nursing infant when used at recommended doses. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Cyanocobalamin – Interactions
The effects of some medicines can change if you take other medicines or herbal products at the same time. This can increase your risk of serious side effects, or it can cause your medications to not work properly. These drug interactions are possible, but they don’t always happen.
To help your doctor and pharmacist give you the best care, before starting treatment with this product. While using this product, do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any other medications you are using without your doctor’s approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug include: drugs that affect the bone marrow (such as chloramphenicol), vitamins / supplements that contain an intrinsic factor.
Certain medications can decrease the absorption of vitamin B12, including: colchicine, metformin, extended-release potassium products, antibiotics (such as gentamicin, neomycin, tobramycin), anti-seizure medications (such as phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone), medications to treat heartburn.
Vitamin B12 is an ingredient found in many combinations of vitamins and nutritional products. Cyanocobalamin can interfere with certain laboratory tests (including intrinsic factor, blood tests for other types of anemia), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this medicine.
Certain medications can interfere with laboratory tests to determine vitamin B12 levels, possibly causing false results. Tell laboratory personnel and all your doctors if you take any of the following: antibiotics (such as amoxicillin, erythromycin), methotrexate, pyrimethamine.
Dr. Samantha Robson ( CRN: 0510146-5) is a nutritionist and website content reviewer related to her area of expertise. With a postgraduate degree in Nutrition from The University of Arizona, she is a specialist in Sports Nutrition from Oxford University and is also a member of the International Society of Sports Nutrition.