What is Hydroxocobalamin (Generic)?
Hydroxocobalamin is a form of vitamin B-12. It is used as an antidote to cyanide poisoning. Hydroxocobalamin works by helping cells in the body convert cyanide to a form that can be removed from the body through urination.
Hydroxocobalamin is used in an emergency to treat cyanide poisoning. This type of poisoning can occur if you are exposed to smoke from a house or industrial fire, if you swallow or breathe in cyanide, or if you get cyanide on your skin.
Hydroxocobalamin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Hydroxocobalamin (Generic)?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Hydroxocobalamin is usually given in an emergency, so you may not have time to tell your caregivers about any drugs you take or medical conditions you have. However, you will need follow-up medical care after receiving this medication. Tell your doctor if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, or congestive heart failure.
You may develop an acne-like skin rash from 1 week to as late as 4 weeks after you are treated with hydroxocobalamin. This rash should go away without treatment. Call your doctor if you have a rash that does not clear up on its own.
This medication can cause you to have unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you have recently received a hydroxocobalamin injection.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Hydroxocobalamin (Generic)?
Hydroxocobalamin is usually given in an emergency, so you may not have time to tell your caregivers about any medical conditions you have. However, you will need follow-up medical care after receiving this medication. Tell your doctor if you have:
- high blood pressure
- heart disease; or
- congestive heart failure
FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether hydroxocobalamin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Hydroxocobalamin (Generic) Side Effects
What are the possible side effects of Hydroxocobalamin (Generic)?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
- increased blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, trouble concentrating, chest pain, numbness, seizure)
- fast or uneven heart rate
- bright red blood in your stools; or
- swelling in your hands or feet
Less serious side effects are more likely to occur, such as:
- red coloring of your skin or urine (this may last up to 2 weeks)
- nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain
- acne, skin rash or itching
- warmth or redness under your skin
- dry throat, trouble swallowing
- headache, dizziness, memory problems, restless feeling
- pain, swelling, or irritation of your skin where the injection was given; or
- eye redness or irritation
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA
Hydroxocobalamin (Generic) Interactions
What other drugs affect Hydroxocobalamin (Generic)?
Hydroxocobalamin is usually given in an emergency, so you may not have time to tell your caregivers about any other medications you are using. However, you will need follow-up medical care after receiving hydroxocobalamin. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor if you have recently be treated with hydroxocobalamin.
What should I avoid while taking Hydroxocobalamin (Generic)?
If your skin turns red after receiving this medication, avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (sunlamps or tanning beds). Hydroxocobalamin can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and sunburn may result. Use a sunscreen (minimum SPF 15) and wear protective clothing if you must be out in the sun.
Hydroxocobalamin (Generic) Dosage
How should I take Hydroxocobalamin (Generic)?
Hydroxocobalamin is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein, most often in an emergency situation. The medicine must be given slowly through an IV infusion, and can take about 15 minutes to complete.
Hydroxocobalamin is usually given only once. However, you may receive a second dose if needed.
You may develop an acne-like skin rash from 1 week to as late as 4 weeks after you were treated with hydroxocobalamin. This rash should go away without treatment. Call your doctor if you have a rash that does not clear up on its own.
This medication can cause you to have unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you have recently received a hydroxocobalamin injection.
What happens if I overdose on Hydroxocobalamin (Generic)?
An overdose of hydroxocobalamin is extremely unlikely.
What happens if I miss a dose of Hydroxocobalamin (Generic)?
Since hydroxocobalamin is used in an emergency, you will most likely be given only one or two doses of this medication.
Sourced from everydayhealth.com