Adult Dosing
Vitamin B
12 deficiency
- 30 mcg qd IM x 5-10 days followed by 100-200 mcg IM qmonth
- Higher doses may be indicated in critically ill patients or in those with neurologic disease, hyperthyroidism, infections
Cyanide poisoning (Cyanokit)
- Initial dose: 5 g IV over 15 minutes (approximately 15 mL/min)
- May administer a second dose of 5 g IV at the rate of 15 minutes to 2 hrs as clinically indicated
Schilling test
- Flushing dose: 1000 mcg IM
Note:
- Administer dose in conjunction with appropriate airway, ventilatory and circulatory support
Pediatric Dosing
Vitamin B
12 deficiency
- Initial dose: Total dose of 1-5 mg IM given over a period of 2 wks or more in doses of 100 mcg
- Maintenance dose: 30-50 mcg IM q4 wks
Cyanide poisoning (Cyanokit) [Non FDA approved]
- 70 mg/kg IV x 1 has been used in non-US marketing experience
Note:
- Administer dose in conjunction with appropriate airway, ventilatory and circulatory support
[Outline]
See Supplemental Patient Information
- Progressive and irreversible neurologic damage may occur if folic acid is used exclusively in treating vitamin B12 deficient megaloblastic anemia
- Blunted or impeded therapeutic response to vitamin B12 may occur due to infection, uremia, drugs having bone marrow suppressant properties, and concurrent iron or folic acid deficiency
- Therapy may cause hypokalemia and thrombocytosis upon conversion of severe megaloblastic to normal erythropoiesis; closely monitor serum potassium levels and platelet count during therapy
- Vitamin B12 deficiency may suppress the signs of polycythemia vera; treatment with vitamin B12 may unmask this condition
- Allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis, chest tightness, edema, urticaria, pruritus, dyspnea, and rash may occur with the use of hydroxocobalamin; use cautiously in the management of patients with anaphylactic reactions to hydroxocobalamin and consider use of alternative therapies
- Transient hypertension may occur with the use of hydroxocobalamin
- Treatment of cyanide poisoning must include immediate attention to airway patency, adequacy of oxygenation and hydration, cardiovascular support, and management of any seizure activity. Decontamination measures should be considered based on route of exposure (Cyanokit)
- Pretreatment blood sample may be useful for documenting cyanide poisoning as sampling post-Cyanokit use may be inaccurate (Cyanokit)
- Due to its deep red color, therapy may interfere with colorimetric determination of certain laboratory parameters such as clinical chemistry, hematology, coagulation, and urine parameters. Therapy may cause hemodialysis machines to shut down due to an erroneous detection of a blood leak
- Avoid the intravenous route (generic hydroxocobalamin)
- Therapy may cause photosensitivity reactions
Cautions: Use cautiously in
- Hypersensitivity to cyanocobalamin
- Hemodialysis
Supplemental Patient Information
- Inform patients that skin redness may last up to 2 weeks and urine coloration may last for up to 5 weeks after therapy administration; advise patients to avoid sun exposure while their skin remains discolored
Pregnancy Category:C
Breastfeeding: Safety unknown. Therapy may be administered in life-threatening situations, and therefore, breast-feeding is not a contraindication to its use. Manufacturer recommends discontinuation of nursing after receiving therapy.
US Trade Name(s)
US Availability
hydroxocobalamin (generic)
- INJ: 1 mg/mL [30 mL vial]
Cyanokit
Canadian Trade Name(s)
- Cyanokit
- Hydro Cobex
- Hydroxy Cobal
Canadian Availability
Cyanokit
Hydro Cobex, Hydroxy Cobal
UK Trade Name(s)
UK Availability
hydroxocobalamin (generic)
Cobalin-H
Cyanokit
- PWDR for INJ: 2.5 g/vial
- PWDR for INJ: 5 g/vial
Australian Trade Name(s)
Australian Availability
Hydroxo-B12, Neo-B12
[Outline]