About hydroxoc obalamin
Vitamin B12 replacement
Used for
- Treats or prevents vitamin B12 deficiency, including deficiency-related anaemia.
- May be used for vitamin B12 deficiency caused by poor absorption.
Usual adult dose
For deficiency, commonly 1 mg by injection several times weekly initially, then maintenance every 2–3 months; schedules vary by cause.
Usual dose in children
Specialist-directed dosing based on age, weight, and cause of deficiency.
Common side effects
- Injection-site pain or swelling
- Nausea or diarrhoea
- Headache or dizziness
- Rare allergic reactions, including serious reactions
Important warnings
- Use caution with cobalt allergy or previous reactions to vitamin B12 injections.
- Low potassium can occur when severe anaemia is treated; monitoring may be needed.
- Treatment can mask folate deficiency without correcting its effects.
- Seek urgent care for breathing difficulty or facial swelling after injection.
Pregnancy
Hydroxocobalamin can be used to treat vitamin B12 deficiency during pregnancy when needed.
Breastfeeding
Hydroxocobalamin can be used during breastfeeding to treat vitamin B12 deficiency.
Interactions
- Chloramphenicol may reduce the blood response to vitamin B12 treatment.
- Folic acid can improve anaemia while vitamin B12-related nerve damage continues.
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 It may be incomplete or out of date.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.