Cyanocobalamine

FDA Drug Information • Also known as: Cyanocobalamine

Brand Names: Cyanocobalamine
Dosage Form: POWDER
Product Type: BULK INGREDIENT

Description

DESCRIPTION Cyanocobalamin Injection, USP is a sterile solution of cyanocobalamin for intramuscular or subcutaneous injection. Each mL contains 1,000 mcg cyanocobalamin, Sodium Chloride 0.9%. Benzyl Alcohol 1.5%, is present as a preservative. Sodium acetate and Glacial acetic acid are present as buffers. Hydrochloric acid and/or sodium hydroxide may have been added during manufacture to adjust the pH (range 4.5 to 7.0). Cyanocobalamin appears as dark red crystals or as an amorphous or crystalline red powder or purplish crystalline powder. Sparingly soluble in water and soluble in alcohol, practically insoluble in acetone, in chloroform and in ether. It is stable to autoclaving for short periods at 121°C. The vitamin B 12 coenzymes are very unstable in light. The chemical name is 5,6-dimethyl-benzimidazolyl cyanocobamide; the molecular formula is C 63 H 88 CoN 14 O 14 P. The cobalt content is 4.34%. The molecular weight is 1355.4. The structural formula is represented below. structure

What Is Cyanocobalamine Used For?

INDICATIONS AND USAGE Cyanocobalamin is indicated for vitamin B 12 deficiencies due to malabsorption which may be associated with the following conditions:

Addisonian (pernicious) anemia

Gastrointestinal pathology, dysfunction, or surgery, including gluten enteropathy or sprue, small bowel bacteria overgrowth, total or partial gastrectomy

Fish tapeworm infestation

Malignancy of pancreas or bowel

Folic acid deficiency It may be possible to treat the underlying disease by surgical correction of anatomic lesions leading to small bowel bacterial overgrowth, expulsion of fish tapeworm, discontinuation of drugs leading to vitamin malabsorption (see Drug Interactions), use of a gluten-free diet in nontropical sprue, or administration of antibiotics in tropical sprue. Such measures remove the need for long-term administration of cyanocobalamin. Requirements of vitamin B 12 in excess of normal (due to pregnancy, thyrotoxicosis, hemolytic anemia, hemorrhage, malignancy, hepatic and renal disease) can usually be met with oral supplementation. Cyanocobalamin Injection, USP is also suitable for the vitamin B 12 absorption test (Schilling test).

Dosage and Administration

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Avoid using the intravenous route. Use of this product intravenously will result in almost all of the vitamin being lost in the urine. Pernicious Anemia: Parenteral vitamin B 12 is the recommended treatment and will be required for the remainder of the patient's life. The oral form is not dependable. A dose of 100 mcg daily for 6 or 7 days should be administered by intramuscular or deep subcutaneous injection. If there is clinical improvement and if a reticulocyte response is observed, the same amount may be given on alternate days for seven doses, then every 3 to 4 days for another 2 to 3 weeks. By this time hematologic values should have become normal. This regimen should be followed by 100 mcg monthly for life. Folic acid should be administered concomitantly if needed. Patients with Normal Intestinal Absorption: Where the oral route is not deemed adequate, initial treatment similar to that for patients with pernicious anemia may be indicated depending on the severity of the deficiency. Chronic treatment should be with an oral B 12 preparation. If other vitamin deficiencies are present, they should be treated. Schilling Test: The flushing dose is 1,000 mcg. Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit.

Side Effects (Adverse Reactions)

ADVERSE REACTIONS Generalized: Anaphylactic shock and death have been reported with administration of parenteral vitamin B 12 (see WARNINGS ). Cardiovascular: Pulmonary edema and congestive heart failure early in treatment; peripheral vascular thrombosis. Hematological: Polycythemia vera Gastrointestinal: Mild transient diarrhea Dermatological: Itching; transitory exanthema Miscellaneous: Feeling of swelling of entire body To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc. at 1 877-446-3679 (1-877-4-INFO-RX) or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch

Warnings and Precautions

WARNINGS Patients with early Leber's disease (hereditary optic nerve atrophy) who were treated with cyanocobalamin suffered severe and swift optic atrophy. Hypokalemia and sudden death may occur in severe megaloblastic anemia which is treated intensely. Anaphylactic shock and death have been reported after parenteral vitamin B 12 administration. An intradermal test dose is recommended before Cyanocobalamin Injection, USP is administered to patients suspected of being sensitive to this drug. This product contains Benzyl Alcohol. Benzyl Alcohol has been reported to be associated with a fatal "Gasping Syndrome" in premature infants. This product contains aluminum that may be toxic. Aluminum may reach toxic levels with prolonged parenteral administration if kidney function is impaired. Premature neonates are particularly at risk because their kidneys are immature, and they require large amounts of calcium and phosphate solutions, which contain aluminum. Research indicates that patients with impaired kidney function, including premature neonates, who receive parenteral levels of aluminum at greater than 4 to 5 mcg/kg/day accumulate aluminum at levels associated with central nervous system and bone toxicity. Tissue loading may occur at even lower rates of administration.

Contraindications

CONTRAINDICATIONS Sensitivity to cobalt and/or vitamin B 12 is a contraindication.

Overdosage

OVERDOSAGE No overdosage has been reported with this drug.

How Supplied

HOW SUPPLIED Cyanocobalamin Injection, USP 1,000 mcg/mL is supplied as follows: 10 mL Multiple Dose Vial, NDC 67457-399-10 Box of 1 vial. 10 mL Multiple Dose Vial, NDC 67457-399-25 Box of 25 vials. 30 mL Multiple Dose Vial, NDC 67457-400-31 Box of 1 vial. 30 mL Multiple Dose Vial, NDC 67457-400-05 Box of 5 vials. Store at 20 o to 25 o C (68 o to 77 o F). [See USP Controlled Room Temperature.] PROTECT FROM LIGHT. Manufactured for: Mylan Institutional LLC Morgantown, WV 26505 U.S.A. Manufactured by: Mylan Laboratories Limited Bangalore, India JUNE 2022

About This Information

This drug information is sourced from FDA-approved labeling via the openFDA database. It is intended for educational and reference purposes only. This is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making decisions about medication. Drug information may be updated by the FDA; check with your pharmacist for the most current information.

What are side effects?

Side effects are unwanted reactions that can occur when taking a medication. They range from mild (headache, nausea) to severe (allergic reactions, organ damage). Not everyone experiences side effects, and severity varies. Report any concerning side effects to your doctor.

What are drug interactions?

Drug interactions occur when a medication is affected by another drug, food, or supplement. Interactions can make medications less effective or cause dangerous side effects. Always tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you take.