What is Cyanocobalamin? Uses, warnings & side effects

How to take Cyanocobalamin

• Follow the instructions on the package or given by a healthcare professional.

• Cyanocobalamin can be taken with or without food.

How to take cyanocobalamin tablets and capsules:

• Swallow the tablet or capsule whole with a drink of water.

• Store cyanocobalamin tablets and capsules at room temperature protected from moisture.

How to take cyanocobalamin sublingual tablets:

• Place the tablet under the tongue and allow it to fully melt.

• This may take as long as 30 seconds.

• Store cyanocobalamin sublingual tablets in a closed container at room temperature protected from moisture.

How to take cyanocobalamin lozenges:

• Place the lozenge on or under the tongue.

• Allow the lozenge to completely melt before swallowing.

• This may take as long as 30 seconds.

• Store cyanocobalamin lozenges in a closed container at room temperature protected from moisture.

How to take prescription cyanocobalamin nasal spray:

• Read the Instructions for Use that come with this medicine or that are printed on the drug information sheet.

• A healthcare provider will demonstrate how to use the nasal spray properly.

• Use the nasal spray only in the nose.

• Each bottle has one dose. It does not need priming.

• Do not use cyanocobalamin nasal spray within one hour of eating or drinking hot foods or liquids.

• To start, blow your nose.

• Hold the spray with your thumb on the bottom and the first two fingers on either side of the plunger.

• Close one nostril with a finger.

• Place the nozzle about ½ inch inside the other nostril and tilt your head forward.

• Close your mouth and breathe in gently through the one nostril. While doing that, gently press the plunger upwards with your thumb.

• When finished, remove the nozzle from the nostril

• Keep the head straight and breathe in through the nose and out through the mouth for 10 to 20 seconds. 

• Throw out the nasal spray bottle.

• Store unused bottles in the original carton in an upright position at room temperature. Do not allow them to freeze.

Cyanocobalamin injections are administered by healthcare professionals.

For other cyanocobalamin formats, read and follow the instructions.

What to do if you miss a dose of Cyanocobalamin

• When taken without a prescription, a missed dose can be taken at any time.

• When taking prescription cyanocobalamin, ask a doctor what to do in case of a missed dose. As a general rule, missed doses can be taken at any time when remembered.

Cyanocobalamin contraindications - Who shouldn't take Cyanocobalamin?

• This medicine is not right for everyone. 

• Do not use it if you have had an allergic reaction to vitamin B-12 or cobalt.

Cyanocobalamin warnings

• Make sure all doctors and other healthcare providers know that you are regularly taking vitamin B12. 

• For prescription cyanocobalamin, the doctor may need to perform regular blood tests to check several critical values, particularly when treatment first begins. Keep all appointments.

• You should not take vitamin B12 supplements if you have an extremely rare eye disease called Leber’s disease until you’ve talked to an ophthalmologist. 

• Before taking over-the-counter cyanocobalamin supplements, talk to a doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Also talk to a doctor first if you have:

  • A history of heart disease or stroke

  • Diabetes

  • Bleeding problems

  • Upcoming surgery

• For prescription cyanocobalamin, make sure the doctor knows about pre-existing conditions, particularly:

  • Diabetes

  • Kidney problems

  • Infections

  • Any iron or folate deficiency

• Injected cyanocobalamin can cause severe reactions in some people including anaphylactic shock.

• Taking cyanocobalamin supplements can mask the symptoms of a folate deficiency.

• Intense vitamin B12 treatment of B12-deficiency anemia (megaloblastic anemia) can cause serious complications including low potassium, high blood platelets, or sudden death.

Cyanocobalamin interactions & what to avoid when taking Cyanocobalamin

• Cyanocobalamin has no major drug interactions.

• Before taking cyanocobalamin supplements, ask a doctor for medical advice if you are taking blood thinners.

• For prescription cyanocobalamin, make sure the doctor knows if you’re taking antibiotics or the bone marrow suppressant chloramphenicol.

• People with vitamin B12 deficiency should not take folate unless prescribed by a healthcare professional.