About hydroxocobalamin
Vitamin B12 (cobalamin)
Used for
- Treats or prevents vitamin B12 deficiency, including deficiency-related anaemia.
- Used when oral treatment is unsuitable or absorption is impaired.
Usual adult dose
For deficiency without neurological symptoms: 1 mg by injection several times weekly initially, then maintenance every 2–3 months. Neurological symptoms may require more frequent initial doses.
Usual dose in children
Dose depends on age, weight, and cause; specialist guidance is needed.
Common side effects
- Injection-site pain or swelling
- Nausea or diarrhoea
- Headache or dizziness
- Rare allergic reactions, including severe reactions
Important warnings
- Use caution with cobalt allergy or previous vitamin B12 injection reactions.
- Treatment can lower blood potassium; monitoring may be needed during initial treatment.
- Low potassium can be serious in severe anaemia.
- Seek assessment for persistent or worsening symptoms despite treatment.
Pregnancy
Hydroxocobalamin may be used to treat vitamin B12 deficiency during pregnancy when clinically needed.
Breastfeeding
Hydroxocobalamin may be used during breastfeeding to treat vitamin B12 deficiency.
Interactions
- Chloramphenicol may reduce the blood-forming response to vitamin B12.
- Nitrous oxide can inactivate vitamin B12 and worsen deficiency.
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 It may be incomplete or out of date.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.