Hydroxocobalamin
Also known as: Vitamin B-12
Hydroxocobalamin is a cobalamine derivative in which the substituent is a hydroxyl group. Hydroxocobalamin is the natural form of the vitamin B12 and is sometime used as a source of vitamin B12.
Primary Characteristics
Hydroxocobalamin is also known as Vitamin B-12.
It is of Semi Synthetic origin and belongs to cobalamine.
It belongs to Nutrients and Vitamins pharmacological group on the basis of mechanism of action. It is also classified under Hematological Agents .
Molecular Weight: 1346 · pKa: not relevant · Solubility in Water: 1 in 50 · Solubility in Alcohol: 1 in 100 · Non-proprietary name: Hydroxocobalamin.
Pharmacokinetics
Elimination: plasma half-life is 0.1 hr, renal excretion is partial.
Advertisement
Indications
Hydroxocobalamin is primarily indicated in conditions like Anaemia, Congenital if deficiency, Congenital intrinsic factor deficiency, Ileal resection, Methylmalonylacidurias, Nutrition deficiency, Pernicious anaemia, Pernicious anaemia and other macrocytic anaemias, Prophylaxis of macrocytic anaemias, Thyrotoxicosis, Tobacco amblyopia, Tobacco amblyopia and leber's optic atrophy, Transcobalamin II deficiency, Vitamin deficiency.
Hydroxocobalamin is also indicated for secondary conditions like Cyanide poisoning, Homocystenemia, Infected burns.
Contraindications
Hydroxocobalamin is contraindicated in conditions like Anaphylactic reactions.
Dosage
Hydroxocobalamin's dosage details are as follows:
| Dose | Single Dose | Frequency | Route | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Dosage | ||||
| 1 mg | 1 mg | — | IM | Initially 1mg for 2 weeks then 1 mg every 3months. |
| 625 mcg | 625 mcg | — | IM | Every alternate day for 1-2 weeks, Maintenance dose is given monthly. |
| Paediatric Dosage (20kg) | ||||
| 1 mg | 1 mg | — | Intra Muscular | Initially 5 doses at 2-3 days interval |
| 250 ug | 250 ug | — | Intra Muscular | Maintenance every 3 Months |
| Neonatal Dosage (3kg) | ||||
| 1 mg | 1 mg | — | Intra Muscular | Initially 5 doses at 2-3 days interval |
| 1 mg | 1 mg | — | Intra Muscular | Maintenance every 3 Months |
Drug Interactions
Always consult your physician for the change of dose regimen or an alternative drug of choice that may strictly be required.
Side Effects
Hydroxocobalamin in overdosage may give rise to further complications which include Hypersensitivity reactions .
Hydroxocobalamin produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Cardiac arrhythmia, Allergic reactions, Anaphylactic reactions, Hypocalcemia. Careful monitoring is needed with proper medical management.
Hydroxocobalamin is known to cause more or less tolerable side effects which are usually transient. These include Diarrhea, Headache, Hypokalemia , Nausea and vomiting, Pain at injection site, Red urine.
Warnings / Precautions
Interference in Pathology
Hydroxocobalamin may interfere in the diagnosis of False Positive test for Intrinsic-Factor antibody .
Available Brands
Click on a strength to view available brands.
Multi-Ingredient Combinations
Storage Conditions
Drug Classification
- 1.10.1 — Antianemia drugs
- 2.27 — Vitamins, minerals, tonics, and other susbstances