Drug Class Description
Vitamin B12 - ATC classification: B03B A03Generic Name
HydroxocobalaminDrug Description
Anhydrous hydroxocobalamin 1000mcg/mlPresentation
InjectionIndications
Treatment of Addisonian pernicious anaemia.
Prophylaxis and treatment of other macrocytic anaemias due to vitamin B12 deficiency.
Treatment of tobacco amblyopia.
Treatment of Leber's atrophy.
Adult Dosage
The following dosages are suitable for children and adults.
Addisonian pernicious anaemia and other macrocytic anaemias without neurological involvement:
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Initially: |
250 micrograms to 1000 micrograms intramuscularly on alternate days for one or two weeks then 250 micrograms weekly until blood count is normal. |
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Maintenance: |
1000 micrograms every two or three months. |
Addisonian pernicious anaemia and other macrocytic anaemias with neurological involvement:
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Initially: |
1000 micrograms on alternate days as long as improvement continues. |
|
Maintenance: |
1000 micrograms every two months. |
Prophylaxis of macrocytic anaemias associated with vitamin B12 deficiency resulting from gastrectomy, ileal resection, certain ma/absorption states and vegetarianism:
1000 micrograms every two or three months.
Tobacco amblyopia and Leber's optic atrophy:
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Initially: |
1000 micrograms daily by intramuscular injection for two weeks then twice weekly as long as improvement is maintained. |
|
Maintenance: |
1000 micrograms every three months or as required. |
Contra Indications
Sensitivity to hydroxocobalamin / vitamin B12.
Special Precautions
Cobalin-H should not be given before a megaloblastic marrow has been demonstrated. Regular monitoring of the blood is advisable. Doses of hydroxocobalamin greater than 10 micrograms daily may produce a haematological response in patients with folate deficiency. Indiscriminate use may mask the exact diagnosis. Cardiac arrhythmias secondary to hypokalaemia have been reported during initial therapy and plasma potassium should, therefore, be monitored during this period.
Interactions
The serum concentration of hydroxocobalamin may be reduced by concurrent administration of oral contraceptives. Chloramphenicol-treated patients may respond poorly to hydroxocobalamin. Vitamin B12 assays by microbiological techniques are invalidated by antimetabolites and most antibiotics.
Adverse Reactions
The following effects have been reported and are listed below by body system:
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Disorders of the immune system: |
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Rare: |
Allergic hypersensitivity reactions |
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Very rare: |
Anaphylaxis |
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Gastro intestinal disorders: |
|
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Frequency Not Known: |
Nausea |
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General disorders: |
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|
Frequency Not Known: |
Fever, dizziness, Injection site disorders |
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Neurological disorders: |
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Frequency Not Known: |
Headache |
Manufacturer
Amdipharm PlcDrug Availability
(POM)Updated
10 February 2012