Hydroxocobalamin
About
Hydroxocobalamin belongs to the class of Vitamins used for the treatment and prevention of anaemias caused due to vitamin B12 deficiency. Also, it is used to treat conditions such as Tobacco amblyopia and Leber’s atrophy which results in a dimming of vision. Vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia is a condition that occurs due to low red blood cell count due to vitamin B12 deficiency.
Hydroxocobalamin contains Hydroxocobalamin (a synthetic form of vitamin B12) which works by providing the necessary amount of vitamin B12 to the body.
Hydroxocobalamin will be administered by a healthcare professional; do not self-administer. Sometimes, Hydroxocobalamin may cause common side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, headache, dizziness, acne, itching, redness, swelling or pain at the injection site. These side effects do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the symptoms persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
If you are allergic to Hydroxocobalamin or other medicines, please tell your doctor. Hydroxocobalamin is not recommended for the treatment of megaloblastic anaemia during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please inform your doctor before receiving Hydroxocobalamin. Avoid driving or operating machinery if you feel dizzy or drowsy after receiving Hydroxocobalamin. Your doctor may recommend regular blood tests while on treatment with Hydroxocobalamin. If your symptoms do not improve after several weeks of treatment with Hydroxocobalamin, discuss with your doctor.
Uses of Hydroxocobalamin
Medicinal Benefits
Hydroxocobalamin contains Hydroxocobalamin used for the treatment of Addisonian pernicious anaemia, to prevent and treat other macrocytic anaemias due to vitamin B12 deficiency, Tobacco amblyopia and Leber’s atrophy, which results in a dimming of vision. It provides an essential amount of vitamin B12 to the body.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Hydroxocobalamin
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Acne
- Itching, redness, swelling or pain at the injection site
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
If you are allergic to Hydroxocobalamin or other medicines, please tell your doctor. Hydroxocobalamin is not recommended for the treatment of megaloblastic anaemia during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please inform your doctor before receiving Hydroxocobalamin. Avoid driving or operating machinery if feel dizzy or drowsy after receiving Hydroxocobalamin. Your doctor may recommend regular blood tests while on treatment with Hydroxocobalamin. If your symptoms do not improve after several weeks of treatment with Hydroxocobalamin, discuss with your doctor.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Hydroxocobalamin may interact with antibiotics (chloramphenicol), oral contraceptives and antimetabolites (drugs used to treat tumours and blood disorders).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have megaloblastic anaemia (a blood disorder that causes larger red blood cells) or have suffered from any heart problems.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorThe interaction of Hydroxocobalamin with alcohol is unknown. If you have concerns regarding this, please discuss them with your doctor.
Pregnancy
cautionHydroxocobalamin is not recommended for the treatment of megaloblastic anaemia in pregnancy. However, if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, please take your doctor’s advice before receiving Hydroxocobalamin.
Breast Feeding
consult your doctorHydroxocobalamin passes into the breast milk and may harm your baby. However, if you are a breastfeeding mother, please take your doctor’s advice before receiving Hydroxocobalamin.
Driving
cautionHydroxocobalamin usually does not affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. However, some people may feel drowsy or dizzy after receiving Hydroxocobalamin. Avoid driving or operating machinery if you are not alert after taking this medicine.
Liver
consult your doctorIf you have a pre-existing or a history of liver disease, inform your doctor before receiving Hydroxocobalamin.
Kidney
consult your doctorIf you have a pre-existing or a history of kidney diseases, inform your doctor before receiving Hydroxocobalamin.
Children
safe if prescribedYour paediatrician may prescribe Hydroxocobalamin for your child, if required, based on your child's age, body weight and condition.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Eat Vitamin B12 rich foods such as liver, beef, chicken, fish, shellfish such as tuna fish, salmon, clams and trout, fortified breakfast cereal, eggs, low-fat milk, cheese and yoghurt.
- For people on a vegan diet, include tofu, nutritional yeast, fruit juice, breakfast cereals, margarine and spreads, dairy-free yoghurt and plant milk such as almond, soy, cashew, oat, and coconut milk.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Exercise regularly, and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia: It is a condition that occurs due to low red blood cell count due to vitamin B12 deficiency. Symptoms include memory loss, numbness and tingling in the arms and legs, sore mouth and tongue, and depression.
Tobacco amblyopia: It is a condition in which poor eyesight is caused by toxins such as tobacco.
Leber’s atrophy: It is a condition which causes degeneration of the optic nerve resulting in loss of central vision.
FAQs
Hydroxocobalamin contains Hydroxocobalamin which works by providing an essential amount of vitamin B12 to the body.
The natural sources of Vitamin B12 include eggs, beef, liver, chicken, trout, salmon, tuna fish, clams, fortified breakfast cereal, low-fat milk, yoghurt, and cheese.
You are not recommended to take oral contraceptives with Hydroxocobalamin as they may reduce the levels of Hydroxocobalamin in your blood. However, please consult a doctor before taking other medicines with Hydroxocobalamin.
