Cyanocobalamin

Cyanocobalamin

What it's for

Cyanocobalamin

How it's used (previously Dosage and administration)

Cyanocobalamin

Side effects

Cyanocobalamin

Who it's for

Cyanocobalamin

Interactions

Cyanocobalamin is a man-made (artificial) version of vitamin B12. It's used to treat and prevent vitamin B12 deficiency.

Cyanocobalamin comes as tablets which you swallow. Follow the instructions that come with your medicine.

Side effects of cyanocobalamin include spots or rashes that look similar to acne. More serious side effects are rare.

Cyanocobalamin is suitable for most adults and children, but always check before taking it because it's not suitable for everyone.

Taking cyanocobalamin with other medicines, such as omeprazole, can cause problems. Always check before taking it.

What cyanocobalamin is for

Cyanocobalamin is a man-made (artificial) version of vitamin that's used to treat and prevent vitamin B12 deficiency, which happens when you have low levels of this vitamin in your body.

Your body needs vitamin B12 to make red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen around the body.

You can get vitamin B12 from your food or supplements, but sometimes you might not be able to get enough. This can happen if you have a condition that affects how your body absorbs vitamin B12, you have a vegan diet, or you do not eat much meat or dairy products.

Information

If you have a vitamin B12 deficiency, your doctor may prescribe hydroxocobalamin injections, another type of vitamin B12.

How to take cyanocobalamin

Cyanocobalamin usually comes as tablets that you swallow. How much you need to take and for how long depends on why you’re taking it.

When taking cyanocobalamin:

• swallow tablets whole with a glass of water
• take tablets between meals

Always check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine. Ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice if you're not sure how to use it or have any problems using it.

If you miss a dose of cyanocobalamin

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it's nearly time for your next dose.

If it's nearly time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose at the usual time.

If you take too much cyanocobalamin

Taking an extra dose of cyanocobalamin is unlikely to cause problems, but it's important to get medical advice if you take too much as it can be dangerous.

Speak to a pharmacist if:

• you've taken more cyanocobalamin than it says on the packet, leaflet or prescription and it's causing any symptoms

If you're unable to speak to a pharmacist, or you took too much of your medicine on purpose, call NHS 111 for advice.

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Information

If you're told to go to A&E, do not drive. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.

Bring the cyanocobalamin packet or leaflet inside it, any remaining medicine and any other medicines you take.

Side effects of cyanocobalamin

Like all medicines, cyanocobalamin can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.

Side effects can include spots or rashes that look similar to acne.

Speak to a pharmacist or doctor if:

• you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away

They may be able to give you advice about how you can reduce the side effects. Keep taking your medicine unless you’re advised to stop.

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Serious side effects

Cyanocobalamin can sometimes cause serious side effects, although most of them are rare.

Possible serious side effects of cyanocobalamin include:

• an allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) – causing symptoms such as a swollen throat or tongue, a raised, itchy rash or difficulty breathing
• skin reactions – causing symptoms such a rash with blisters, feeling faint, wheezing or difficulty breathing

Call 999 if:

• you're taking cyanocobalamin and think you might be having anaphylaxis

If you think you're having any other serious side effect, call NHS 111.

Who can and cannot take cyanocobalamin

Most adults and children can take cyanocobalamin.

But cyanocobalamin is not suitable for everyone. For example, it may not be suitable if:

• you've had an allergic reaction or other serious side effect from cyanocobalamin or another vitamin B12
• you're allergic to cobalt

Before taking cyanocobalamin, tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions.

Breastfeeding and cyanocobalamin

You may be able to take cyanocobalamin while you're breastfeeding, but check with a pharmacist or doctor first.

It's rare for breastfed babies to get any side effects from medicine you're taking, but speak to a healthcare professional if you have any concerns about your baby or call NHS 111.

Pregnancy and cyanocobalamin

You can usually take cyanocobalamin if you're pregnant, but check with your pharmacists or doctor first.

Taking cyanocobalamin with other medicines, food and drink

There are some medicines, remedies and supplements that may not mix well with cyanocobalamin.

This includes:

• H2 blockers like ranitidine, famotidine or nizatidine
• proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as omeprazole

Before taking cyanocobalamin, tell your doctor if you're taking any other medicines, herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.

Food, drink and alcohol with cyanocobalamin

You can eat and drink as normal while taking cyanocobalamin.