Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 Plain · Vitamin

Indications

Megaloblastic anaemia. Dietary deficiency which are attributable to malabsorption. Treatment of megaloblastosis caused by prolonged nitrous oxide anaesthesia, which inactivates the vitamin and in the rare syndrome of congenital transcobalamin II deficiency. Vitamin B12 should be given prophylactically after total gastrectomy or total ileal resection (or after partial gastrectomy if a vitamin B12 absorption test shows vitamin B12 malabsorption).

Dosage

INJECTION: Adults: By IM, initially 1000 mcg repeated 10 times at intervals of 2-3 days, maintenance 1000 mcg every mth. ORAL: Vitamin B12 deficiency of dietary origin: Adults: 50-150 mcg daily taken between meals. Children: 50-105 mcg daily in 1-3 divided doses.

Administration

IM or deep SC are preferred routes of administration.

Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)

Pregnancy: Risk cannot be ruled out. Lactation: Caution advised or effect undetermined.

Advice to Patient

Use as directed. Contact prescriber if there is skin rash; swelling, pain, redness in extremities or acute persistent diarrhoea.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: IM/SC: Quickly absorbed from site of inj. Oral: Irregularly absorbed from the distal small intestine. Metabolism: Hepatic. Half-life elimination: Approx. 6 days. Time to peak, plasma: IM: 1 hr. Oral: 3 hrs. IV: 3 mins. Excretion: Urine. Bile.

Brands with this active ingredient

• Aktis
• Ampavit
• Amro B12
• Amrobion
• Be-Bion
• Betalux
• Bevidox
• Conus
• Cyanamin
• Cyanocobalamin
• Cyanorin Forte
• Energy
• Envit
• Eurobion
• Megavit

Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →

Always consult a pharmacist or doctor.