Hydroxocobalamin

One of the basic members of the cobalamin family compounds is hydroxocobalamin. This is a particular form of vitamin B12 that is used to produce the vitamin commercially. Hydroxyocobalamin is very red in color. It is converted by the body to usable forms of vitamin B12. Some forms of vitamin B12 are produced commercially as an injectable solution. Medical doctors use certain forms of it to treat vitamin B12 deficiencies. If it is used to treat B12 deficiencies it is usually given intramuscularly. The hydroxocobalamin that is specifically used to treat cyanide poisoning is given intravenously. Hydroxocobalamin is one of the essential cofactors needed for DNA synthesis. There are two principle cobalamins in the vitamin B12 family which are hydroxocbalamin and cyancobalamin. There are also two coenzyme forms of vitamin B12 which are methylcobalamin and 5-deoxyadenosylcobalamin. These are all cobalt containing compounds known as corrinoids.

Injectable vitamin B12 is well known for its ability to be an energy booster. Cyancobalamin is the most common form that is often used for injectable shots for vitamin B deficiencies. Vitamin B12 is the most important of all the B complex vitamins. People who are deficient in this vitamin have various symptoms that can be detrimental to good health. Some of the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency are diarrhea, constipation, excessive flatulence, a burning sensation on the time, and abdominal pain. Vitamin B12 also keeps your central nervous system healthy.

Hydroxocobalamin is specifically used to treat cyanide poisoning. Hydroxocobalamin works in the body to convert cyanide into to a form that can be removed from the body through the urinary tract. It is used as an emerging treatment for cyanide poisoning. Cyanide poisoning can happen if you breathe in cyanide smoke from a house or industrial fire. You can also be exposed to it through your skin. Since hydroxocobalamin is typically given in an emergency patient may not have time to inform the medical staff if they have other medical problems. For this reason people who have had these injections need to follow up with their regular medical care professional. You should let the doctor know if you have heart disease, congestive heart failure or high blood pressure and have had a hydroxocobalamin injection. Pregnant or nursing mothers should inform your doctor before taking this form of prescription vitamin B12. It is not known if it can cause harm to the baby if it passes into breast milk. Hydroxocobalamin can be harmful to an unborn baby.

The brand names for hydroxocobalamin are Cyanokit, Hydroxy-Cobal, Hydro-Cobex, Hydroxocobalamin, Cobalin-H, Neo-Cytamen. This medication is given intravenously through an IV infusion to treat cyanide poisoning, which can take about 15 minutes to administer. Sometimes a second dose may be needed. The symptoms of an allergic reaction to hydroxocolamin can include swelling of your face, lips, tongue and throat as well as difficulty in breathing. People who are treated with hydroxcobalamin can develop a skin rash that resembles acne for up to four weeks after being treated with it. The rash will normally go away without treatment. If you have been given hydroxocobalamin it can interfere with the results on certain medical tests.

Be sure to let your doctor know if you have had such an objection recently and are being given other medical tests. You should get medical help if you experience hives, increased blood pressure, chest pain, a fast or uneven heart rate, blood in your stools or swelling of the hands or feet after taking hydroxocobalim as well. Some less serious side effects include redness in the urine or skin which can last up to 2 weeks. Other side effects can include eye redness or irritation, dry throat, trouble swallowing, itching, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, dizziness and feelings of restlessness. There may also be pain and swelling at the injection site.

Last updated on Feb 15th, 2011 and filed under Vitamins and Minerals. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

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