Cyanocobalamin
vit B12
Pronunciation: sye-an-oe-koe-BAL-a-min
“Cyan & cobalt B12-pack”
What it isVitamin B12 for one-carbon metabolism and myelin maintenance; deficiency and pernicious anemia.
Why this oneHigh-dose oral therapy works even in pernicious anemia through passive absorption, so injections are rarely necessary now.
What limits itThe hematological response comes quickly but neurological recovery may be incomplete if treatment was delayed — the reason to check B12 before giving folate.
FDA-approved for
- vitamin B12 deficiency
FDA label
Read the full label on DailyMed ↗
| FDA dosing | Population | Start | Target | Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vitamin B-12 supplementation | Adults ≥18 yr | 1000 mcg QD | 1000 mcg QD |
Renal Undefined
Hepatic Undefined
Instructions
- Take preferably with a meal
- Persons <18 yr: consult physician
Available strengths
- inj 1000 mcg/mL
Pregnancy Undefined
Lactation Undefined
Cost
| Strength | #/mo | generic $/unit | CostPlus | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1000 mcg/mL | inj | per unit | $1.47/mL | not offered |
Generic entry1983
NO BOXED WARNINGS
Principal riskNeurological recovery may be incomplete if delayed
Classes and tags
Clinical profile
Legacy pregnancy categoryA
Defining liabilityUsually well tolerated at replacement doses; excessive dosing can cause agent-specific metabolic or organ toxicity.