After your anemia has been treated, you will probably receive the medication once a month to prevent your symptoms from coming back. Cyanocobalamin injection will supply you with enough vitamin B 12 only as long as you receive injections regularly. You may receive cyanocobalamin injections every month for the rest of your life. Keep all appointments to receive cyanocobalamin injections even if you feel well. If you stop receiving cyanocobalamin injections, your anemia may return and your nerves may be damaged.
Cyanocobalamin injection is also sometimes used to treat inherited conditions that decrease the absorption of vitamin B 12 from the intestine. Cyanocobalamin injection is also sometimes used to treat methylmalonic aciduria an inherited disease in which the body cannot break down protein and is sometimes given to unborn babies to prevent methylmalonic aciduria after birth. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this drug for your condition. This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
If you miss an appointment to receive a cyanocobalamin injection, call your doctor as soon as possible. Cyanocobalamin injection may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication. In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your body's response to cyanocobalamin injection.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription over-the-counter medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital.
Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is an important water-soluble vitamin involved in red blood cell production, brain health, and DNA synthesis 1. A deficiency in this key vitamin can cause serious symptoms, including fatigue, nerve damage, digestive issues, and neurological problems like depression and memory loss 1.
Therefore, many people turn to vitamin B12 supplements to help meet their needs and prevent a deficiency. This article examines the main differences between methylcobalamin and cyanocobalamin — two of the most common sources of vitamin B12 found in supplements.
Vitamin B12 supplements are typically derived from two sources: cyanocobalamin or methylcobalamin. However, each have a different molecule attached to the cobalt ion. While methylcobalamin contains a methyl group, cyanocobalamin contains a cyanide molecule.
Unlike cyanocobalamin, methylcobalamin is a naturally occurring form of vitamin B12 that can be obtained through supplements, as well as food sources like fish , meat, eggs , and milk 3 , 4. Cyanocobalamin is a synthetic form of vitamin B12 found only in supplements, while methylcobalamin is a naturally occurring form that you can get through either food sources or supplements.
Some studies suggest that your body may absorb cyanocobalamin slightly better than methylcobalamin. Conversely, another study comparing the two forms reported that about three times as much cyanocobalamin was excreted through urine, indicating that methylcobalamin may be retained better within your body 6. However, some research suggests that differences in bioavailability between the two forms may be insignificant and that absorption could be influenced by factors such as age and genetics 7 , 8.
Unfortunately, recent research directly comparing these two forms of vitamin B12 is limited. Additional studies are needed to measure the absorption and retention of methylcobalamin versus cyanocobalamin in healthy adults. Research shows that cyanocobalamin may be absorbed better in your body, while methylcobalamin likely has a higher retention rate.
Other studies have found that the differences in absorption and retention are minimal. When you ingest cyanocobalamin, it can be converted to both of the active forms of vitamin B12, methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin.
Deficiencies in both forms of vitamin B12 can increase your risk of neurological issues and adverse side effects Some researchers recommended treating vitamin B12 deficiencies with either cyanocobalamin or a combination of methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin due to distinct properties of these latter two forms 9.
If you have hydroxocobalamin injections to boost your vitamin B12 levels at the start of treatment, the cyanocobalamin tablets may start to work within a few days.
You may be able to stop taking cyanocobalamin when your vitamin B12 blood levels are back to normal. However, you may need to take it for the rest of your life if your diet does not have enough vitamin B12 or you cannot absorb enough vitamin B12 from your food. Vitamin B12 supplements containing cyanocobalamin can be bought as tablets including chewable, slow-release, and tablets that dissolve under your tongue , capsules, mouth sprays, and drops.
There is no noticeable difference in the amount of vitamin B12 that your body can absorb or use from the different types, so no supplement is more effective than the others.
If you have had stomach or bowel problems or surgery you will not absorb enough vitamin B12 from food or low-dose supplements 10 to micrograms.
You will need hydroxocobalamin injections — or high-dose cyanocobalamin tablets 1, micrograms if you cannot have injections.
If you stop taking prescribed cyanocobalamin tablets, your vitamin B12 levels may start to go down. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you want to stop taking cyanocobalamin or are bothered by side effects. However, drinking too much alcohol on a regular basis can cause folate deficiency anaemia. This is a lack of vitamin B9 folic acid and will lead to symptoms such as tiredness coming back. You can eat and drink as normal while taking cyanocobalamin. Cyanocobalamin will not stop any contraception working, including the combined pill and emergency contraception.
However, oral contraceptives can reduce the amount of vitamin B12 you absorb from your cyanocobalamin tablets. You can usually help your vitamin B12 levels by increasing the amount of certain foods you eat. However, this will not help if you have a stomach gastro-intestinal problem that means you cannot absorb vitamin B12 from your gut.
If you eat meat, fish, eggs, milk and dairy foods you should get enough vitamin B12 from your diet. Page last reviewed: 10 March Next review due: 10 March Cyanocobalamin On this page About cyanocobalamin Key facts Who can and cannot take cyanocobalamin How and when to take cyanocobalamin Side effects of cyanocobalamin Pregnancy and breastfeeding Cautions with other medicines Common questions about cyanocobalamin.
About cyanocobalamin Cyanocobalamin is a manufactured version of vitamin B Cyanocobalamin works by increasing your levels of vitamin B You need vitamin B12 to make red blood cells and keep your nervous system healthy.
However, you may also need vitamin B12 injections at first to boost your levels. Some people may be able to stop taking cyanocobalamin when their vitamin B12 blood levels are back to normal. You may have regular blood tests while taking cyanocobalamin, to monitor the levels of vitamin B12 in your blood. Most adults and children aged 2 years and over can take cyanocobalamin.
Dosage The amount of cyanocobalamin you need depends on the level of vitamin B12 in your blood and why your levels are low. The usual dose for: diet-related deficiency is 50 micrograms to micrograms, taken once a day B12 deficiency not caused by your diet is one to two 1, microgram tablets, taken once or twice a day — this is usually if you cannot have vitamin B12 injections In children the doses may be lower.
How to take it Swallow prescribed cyanocobalamin tablets whole with a drink of water. For cyanocobalamin supplements that you buy, follow the instructions that come in the packet. Will my dose go up or down? What if I forget to take it? What if I take too much? Taking an extra dose of cyanocobalamin tablets is unlikely to harm you.
Urgent advice: Contact for advice now if:.
0コメント