Mecobalamin
About
Mecobalamin belongs to the Vitamins class, primarily used to treat peripheral neuropathies and megaloblastic anaemia caused by vitamin B12 deficiency. Vitamin B12 is a vital dietary nutrient, and deficiency of vitamin B12 can lead to peripheral neuropathy, megaloblastic anaemia, and many other serious conditions.
Mecobalamin contains Mecobalamin, a form of vitamin B12 that helps protect the nerves from damage and also helps to promote blood cell production. It regulates body functions, such as cell multiplication, blood formation, and protein synthesis.
Mecobalamin is a prescription-only medication. It will be administered by a healthcare professional; do not self-administer. You may experience pain, itching, swelling or redness around the injection site, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and headache. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you have signs of an allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face, lips, or tongue or breathing problems.
To treat your condition effectually, continue taking Mecobalamin for as long as your doctor has prescribed. Please do not stop taking Mecobalamin without consulting your doctor. Do not take Mecobalamin if you are pregnant or breastfeeding unless prescribed by the doctor. Mecobalamin should be given to children as advised by your doctor. Keep your doctor informed about your present and past medical history and ongoing medicines to rule out any side effects.
Uses of Mecobalamin
Medicinal Benefits
Mecobalamin (Methylcobalamin) is a coenzyme form of vitamin B12. It regulates body functions, such as cell multiplication, blood formation, and protein synthesis. It is also used in the treatment of alcoholic neuropathy, pernicious anaemia (red blood cells are not produced due to Vitamin B12 deficiency), diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage due to high blood sugar levels), and multiple sclerosis (immune system disease affecting the brain).
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Mecobalamin
- Painfulness or tenderness at the injection site
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Loss of appetite
- Headache
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not consume Mecobalamin if you are allergic to any ingredients in Mecobalamin. To treat your condition effectually, continue taking Mecobalamin for as long as your doctor has prescribed. Please do not stop taking Mecobalamin without consulting your doctor. Do not take Mecobalamin if you are pregnant or breastfeeding unless prescribed by the doctor. Mecobalamin should be given to children as advised by your doctor. Inform your doctor if you have low potassium levels in the blood, iron or folic acid deficiency, or if you have had optic nerve damage. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and medicines to rule out any side effects.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Mecobalamin may interact with the anti-mycobacterial agent (e.g. aminosalicylic acid), certain anticancer medications (e.g. arsenic trioxide), and certain antibiotics (e.g. chloramphenicol)
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid using large amounts of alcohol.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Mecobalamin may interact with disease conditions, including hypokalaemia, optic nerve, malabsorption, and renal impairment.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAlcohol does not affect the results of Mecobalamin. However, excessive alcohol consumption regularly can result in folate-deficient anaemia.
Pregnancy
cautionMecobalamin may be unsafe to take during pregnancy. If you are pregnant, inform your doctor before taking this medicine. Your doctor may prescribe Mecobalamin if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionMecobalamin is considered safe to be used in breastfeeding. However, if you are breastfeeding, inform your doctor before taking Mecobalamin.
Driving
safe if prescribedMecobalamin does not impact an ability to drive or operate capabilities.
Liver
cautionMecobalamin should administer with caution in patients with severe liver disease. If you have liver problems, inform your doctor before taking Mecobalamin. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine based on your condition.
Kidney
cautionMecobalamin should administer with caution in patients with kidney disease. If you have kidney problems, inform your doctor before taking Mecobalamin. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine based on your condition.
Children
cautionMecobalamin can be prescribed for children below 12 years, but your doctor made dose adjustments.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Take fresh fruits and vegetables into your diet.
- Eat fortified cereals in your diet.
- Drink milk and make cheese and yoghurt in your diet.
- Take eggs, meat, and fish into your diet.
- Avoid oily and canned foods.
- Avoid tea and coffee.
- Quit smoking and avoid drinking alcohol.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Vitamins play an important role in our body. If your body cannot absorb enough vitamins and minerals, that can lead to neurological problems, bone abnormalities, and blood clotting problems. Symptoms like brittle hair and nails, mouth ulcers or cracks in the corners of the mouth, bleeding gums, poor night vision and white growths on the eyes, and neuropathic pain are associated with vitamin deficiency.
Peripheral neuropathy: The deficiency of vitamin B-12 is one cause of peripheral neuropathy. If it is left untreated, it can lead to permanent nerve damage. Peripheral neuropathy is when the nerves that transport messages to and from the brain and spinal cord and to the rest of the body might be damaged or diseased.
Megaloblastic anaemia: Megaloblastic anaemia is a blood disorder in which the number of red blood cells is lower than the normal level. Red blood cells help in transporting oxygen throughout the body. Tissues and organs will not get enough oxygen when your body lacks red blood cells. In megaloblastic anaemia, the red blood cells will be larger than normal, so they are not produced properly. Also, they may not be able to exit the bone marrow into the bloodstream. Megaloblastic anaemia is also known as vitamin B-12 or folate deficiency anaemia.
FAQs
Mecobalamin is a synthetic form of vitamin B12. It works by increasing vitamin B12 levels in your body, assisting in the treatment of anaemias and nerve problems.
Pain, swelling, or itchy skin where your injection was administered; these symptoms are often minimal and should last only a few hours. If the discomfort is affecting you, you might seek a healthcare expert for a mild pain reliever.
When your vitamin B12 (Mecobalamin) blood levels return to normal, you may be able to discontinue taking Mecobalamin. However, if your diet lacks vitamin B12 or you cannot absorb enough vitamin B12 from food, you may need to take it for the rest of your life.
Vitamin B12 deficiency occurs when you don't have enough Methylcobalamin or Mecobalamin levels in the body. You can include natural Vitamin B12 sources like eggs, beef, liver, chicken, trout, salmon, tuna, fish, clams, fortified breakfast cereal, low-fat milk, yoghurt, and cheese in your diet to treat the deficiency. If you still have low levels of B12, please consult your doctor.
Diarrhoea might be a side-effect of Mecobalamin. Drink lots of fluids and eat food rich in fibre. If you find blood in your stools (tarry stools) or if you experience excess diarrhoea, consult your doctor.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and follow your usual dosage.
