Cyanocobalmin

Cyanocobalamin is a man-made form of vitamin B12 used to prevent and treat low blood levels of this vitamin.

Contents

• Uses
• Benefits
• Cautions
• Interactions
• Other names
• References

Uses

• Maintaining normal vitamin B₁₂ blood levels in certain patients with pernicious anemia. It is also used to treat or prevent low blood levels of vitamin B₁₂ that may be caused by other conditions.
• Cyanocobalamin (b12) is a form of vitamin B₁₂. It works by replacing vitamin B₁₂ in the body.

Benefits

• Vitamin B12 or Cyanocobalamin has a wide spectrum of benefits to offer as far as human health is concerned. Here is the list of most commendable benefits derived from this vitamin:

  Cell Maintenance: Vitamin B12 lends a helping hand in maintaining different types of cells that exist in the human body. For instance, important functions like formation, repair, and maintenance of red blood cells are largely dependent upon Vitamin B12. Also, nerve cells are taken care of by the presence of this vitamin in the human body. This further helps in maintaining a strong nervous system.

  DNA Formation: Vitamin B12 is an important element for the regular formation of DNA in the human body. This practice is performed during cell division and this vitamin is one of the most significant participants in this process. In case of a lack of Vitamin B12 in the human body, abnormal cell formations known as megaloblasts will develop. This may further result in the occurrence of anemia in the human body. Thus, a fair quantity of Vitamin B12 is necessary to be included in your diet plan.

  Fatigue: Vitamin B12 is an appreciable resource for relieving the human body from fatigue and weakness. Thus, this vitamin has the potential for improving the overall stamina of the human body to withstand heavy work pressure.

  Cholesterol: A diet rich in food products containing Vitamin B12 is helpful in reducing the level of cholesterol in the human body. Also, this vitamin helps in controlling the level of triglycerides, which maintains the proper functioning of the human heart.

  Sickle Cell Disorder: Vitamin B12 is considered an important health component for treating the severe problem of sickle cell anemia. It is expected to do so by saving the patient’s body from endothelial damage.

  Alzheimer’s Disease: Vitamin B12 is effective in treating Alzheimer’s disease. This disease is accompanied by symptoms like confusion and cognitive degeneration. It has been reported by medical experts that patients suffering from this disease contains lower amounts of Vitamin B12 in their bodies.

  Anemia: Vitamin B12 is considered as a part of the treatment for various forms of anemia, such as pernicious anemia and megaloblastic anemia. This vitamin helps to replenish a lacking substance called Intrinsic Factor, which is of great value for maintaining blood normality.

  Breast Cancer: It has been found that women suffering from breast cancer are often deficient in Vitamin B12. Thus, a diet rich in this vitamin is recommended for the possible prevention of the development of this terrible disease.

Cautions

• • Heavy alcohol intake for more than 2 weeks may decrease the effectiveness of cyanocobalamin (b12). Check with your doctor if you drink alcohol on a regular basis.
  • Do not substitute folic acid for cyanocobalamin (b12) without first checking with your doctor. Folic acid may prevent anemia but may not prevent other serious symptoms such as spinal cord problems.
  • You should have blood tests every 3 to 6 months to monitor your progress.
  • Certain medicines, including antibiotics, methotrexate, or pyrimethamine, may interfere with lab tests for vitamin B₁₂ and folic acid. Be sure your doctor and lab personnel know all the medicines that you are taking.
  • Do not take large doses of vitamins (megadoses or megavitamin therapy) while taking cyanocobalamin (b12) unless directed by your doctor.
  • LAB TESTS, including complete blood cell counts, platelet counts, and blood potassium, vitamin B₁₂, and folic acid levels, may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
  • Cyanocobalamin (b12) contains benzyl alcohol, a preservative. Do not use cyanocobalamin (b12) in NEWBORNS or INFANTS because serious and sometimes fatal nervous system problems and other side effects may occur.
  • PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant while taking cyanocobalamin (b12), discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using cyanocobalamin (b12) during pregnancy. Cyanocobalamin (b12) is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using cyanocobalamin (b12), check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Interactions

• Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and non-prescription/herbal products you may use, especially of:
  • Antibiotics (e.g. neomycin and chloramphenicol)
  • Antidiabetics (metformin)
  • Antihypertensives (methyldopa)
  • Ulcer-healing drugs (cimetidine)
  • Colchicine, a treatment for gout
  • Cholestyramine, used to reduce the amount of cholesterol (fats) in the blood
  • Potassium chloride, used to treat low levels of potassium.

Other names

Vitamin B12

References

Source: Organic facts, https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/vitamins/health-benefits-of-vitamin-b12-or-cyanocobalamin.html

WebMD, http://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-1010/cyanocobalamin-oral/details

Drugs.webmd, http://drugs.webmd.boots.com/drugs/drug-136-Cyanocobalamin.aspx