Drug reference

Hydroxocobalamin

Vitamin · Treatment for Vitamin B12 deficiency; Antidote for Cyanide Poisoning

Also known as Hydroxocobalamin hydrochloride

VitaminTreatment for Vitamin B12 deficiency; Antidote for Cyanide PoisoningATC B03BA03

CDSCO approvedSchedule HATC B03BA03

EXCRETION

—

not curated

INTERACTIONS

—

none in our sources

PREGNANCY

FDA category + note

Mechanism

Hydroxocobalamin is a form of vitamin B12 essential for various metabolic processes, including DNA synthesis and neurological function. It is utilized to replenish depleted body stores of vitamin B12, particularly in conditions involving malabsorption or inactivation of the vitamin. Hydroxocobalamin is preferred over cyanocobalamin due to its longer retention in the body.

Indications

Megaloblastic anaemia resulting from vitamin B12 deficiencyMegaloblastosis caused by prolonged nitrous oxide anaesthesiaCongenital transcobalamin II deﬁciencyProphylaxis after total gastrectomy or total ileal resection (or after partial gastrectomy if a vitamin B12 absorption test shows vitamin B12 malabsorption)Vitamin B12 deﬁciency of dietary originCyanide poisoningTreatment of vitamin B12 deficiencyProphylaxis of vitamin B12 deficiency (in those at risk)Tobacco amblyopiaSevere cobalamin deficiency (e.g., pernicious anemia)Replenishment of body stores in cobalamin deficiencyMaintenance therapy for cobalamin deficiency

Dosing

Adult: B12 deficiency prophylaxis: 1 mg IM every 2-3 months. Pernicious anaemia: initially 1 mg IM 3 times/week for 2 weeks, then 1 mg every 2-3 months. Cyanide poisoning (Cyanokit): initially 5 g IV over 15 min, then 5 g if required.