Home Medication and medical testsOther medications What is hydroxocobalamin for? Dosage and side effects

What is hydroxocobalamin for? Dosage and side effects

by Alivia Nyhan
Published: Last Updated on

Hydroxocobalamin is another form of vitamin B12 , which is responsible for protein and metabolic processes, as well as the development of red blood cells and the maintenance of the central nervous system. This vitamin is water soluble: it dissolves in water and, when the body uses it, it discharges the excess through the urine.

Vitamin B12 is found in animal proteins, such as organ meats, shellfish, meat, eggs, milk, and other dairy products. However, this is sometimes not enough for the body, so a drug is needed that fulfills this function and thus guarantees the quality of life of the person who needs it. At FastlyHeal , we explain everything about hydroxocobalamin: what it is for.

What is hydroxocobalamin for

If you wonder what hydroxocobalamin is for, its function is to treat vitamin B12 deficiencies , in pathologies such as anemia or in diseases where the absorption of this is insufficient in the body.

Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is responsible for guaranteeing proteins to the body for the formation of red blood cells and the maintenance of the central nervous system. Vitamin B12 deficiency is solved with hydroxocobalamin.

Functions of hydroxocobalamin

  • Development of healthy blood, nerve and protein cells.
  • Helps metabolize fats and carbohydrates.
  • It is used to treat cyanide poisoning.

It is important to note that while you are on this hydroxocobalamin treatment, you should not consume alcoholic beverages and it should always be used under medical supervision .

If you want to know more about vitamin B12, you can consult Properties of vitamin B12 .

Recommended dose

Once you know what hydroxocobalamin is for, you should know that this drug is administered only orally, either by taking it directly or dissolving it in some liquid, or through intravenous or intramuscular injections administered under medical supervision.

The recommended dose of hydroxocobalamin will depend on the pathology to be treated:

  • Vitamin B12 deficiency due to anemia or malabsorption : 1000 mcg / day for 5 or 6 days.
  • Pernicious anemia : 1000 mcg / day every 2 or 3 days for up to 5 doses.
  • Prophylaxis of anemia : 1000 mcg / every 2 or 3 months.
  • Vitamin B12 deficiency due to dietary causes : 10 mg per month.

These doses are indicative, remember that this medicine must be administered under medical supervision and a prescription is required for purchase in injection versions.

If you need more information, you can also consult the article: Why do I have low vitamin B12?

Hydroxocobalamin Side Effects

Hydroxocobalamin can have side effects that do not usually require medical attention. You can notify your trusted doctor in case they persist or are bothersome. These are:

  • Diarrhea.
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Headache.
  • Pain at the injection site.
  • Reddish urine.
  • Skin with a reddish appearance.

The following hydroxocobalamin side effects will need immediate medical help:

  • Allergic reactions to the compound.
  • Chest pain or pressure
  • Respiratory problems.
  • Dizziness
  • Tremors

Interaction with other medications

It should be noted that hydroxocobalamin has interactions with other medications or supplements in which the absorption of vitamin B12 will be decreased :

  • Chemotherapy treatments.
  • Aminoglococid antibiotics.
  • Anti-ulcer antihistamines.
  • Chloramphenicol, used as an antibiotic for typhoid fever.
  • Oral contraceptives .
  • Ascorbic acid supplements.

Before taking hydroxocobalamin

Before administering this medicine, your doctor needs to know if you have any of these pathologies:

  • Iron deficiency anemia.
  • High blood pressure.
  • If you are allergic to any component.
  • Megaloblastic anemia.
  • Renal disease.
  • If you are pregnant or looking to get pregnant.
  • If you are breastfeeding.

Learn more about vitamin B12 deficiency treatment: symptoms and treatment.

Contraindications of hydroxocobalamin

This medicine is contraindicated in the following cases:

  • Diseases such as polycythemia vera, a bone marrow disorder, where red blood cells are produced in excess.
  • During pregnancy and lactation.
  • May have effects on the ability to drive.

This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.

If you want to read more articles similar to Hydroxocobalamin: what it is for , we recommend that you enter our category of Medication and medical tests .

You may also like

Leave a Comment