About cyanocobalamin
Vitamin B12 replacement
Used for
- Treats or prevents vitamin B12 deficiency, including pernicious anemia.
- Treats deficiency-related nerve problems when vitamin B12 is appropriate.
Usual adult dose
Commonly 1 mg by injection daily initially, then less often for maintenance; schedule depends on cause and local guidance.
Usual dose in children
Doses vary by age and deficiency cause; specialist guidance is used.
Common side effects
- Injection-site pain or redness
- Nausea or diarrhea
- Headache or dizziness
- Rarely, allergic reaction or low potassium during initial treatment
Important warnings
- Low potassium can occur as severe anemia improves.
- Seek urgent care for swelling, breathing difficulty, or a widespread rash after injection.
- Treatment may mask blood abnormalities while nerve damage continues if folate deficiency is untreated.
Pregnancy
Generally considered suitable when needed to treat vitamin B12 deficiency; untreated deficiency also poses risks.
Breastfeeding
Generally compatible with breastfeeding when used to treat deficiency.
Interactions
- Chloramphenicol may reduce the blood-cell response to vitamin B12.
- Folic acid can improve anemia while vitamin B12-related nerve damage remains untreated.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.