Methylcobalamin
About Methylcobalamin
Methylcobalamin belongs to the class of vitamins primarily used to treat peripheral neuropathies and megaloblastic anaemia caused by vitamin B12 deficiency. Megaloblastic anaemia is a condition in which the red blood cells are abnormally large. Peripheral neuropathy causes damage to the nerves located outside the spinal cord and brain.
Methylcobalamin contains Methylcobalamin, a form of vitamin B12, which protects the nerves from damage and promotes blood cell production. It regulates body functions, such as cell multiplication, blood formation, and protein synthesis.
In some cases, Methylcobalamin may cause side effects such as pain, itching, swelling or redness at the injection site, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and headache. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if the side effects persist or worsen.
Let your doctor know if you are allergic to methylcobalamin, or any other medications. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or are breastfeeding. Keep your doctor informed about your present and past medical history and ongoing medicines to rule out any side effects.
Uses of Methylcobalamin
Medicinal Benefits
- Methylcobalamin contains Methylcobalamin, the active form of vitamin B12, which is essential for the normal functioning of the brain and nervous system.
- It helps manage peripheral neuropathy by supporting nerve repair and relieving symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and burning sensations in the hands and feet.
- Methylcobalamin supports the production of healthy red blood cells, making it effective in treating megaloblastic anaemia caused by vitamin B12 deficiency.
- It plays a critical role in DNA synthesis and protein formation, which are vital for normal cell growth and repair.
- Methylcobalamin helps maintain normal energy metabolism by aiding in the conversion of food into energy, especially in people with B12 deficiency.
Directions for Use
- Follow your doctor's instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication to ensure safe and effective use.
- Methylcobalamin will be administered by the doctor or healthcare professional.
- Do not self-administer.
Storage
Side Effects of Methylcobalamin
- Painfulness or tenderness at the injection site
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Loss of appetite
- Headache
Drug Warnings
- Before taking Methylcobalamin, inform your doctor if you have any allergies or sensitivities to medicines, foods, or preservatives.
- Tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions, especially liver or kidney problems, or Leber’s disease (a rare genetic eye disorder).
- Inform your doctor about all other medicines, supplements, or treatments you are currently taking, as some may affect vitamin B12 absorption or action.
- If you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding, consult your doctor before receiving Methylcobalamin, as its use will be based on potential benefits and risks.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Methylcobalamin may interact with anticancer medications (arsenic trioxide), antimetabolites (mercaptopurine), antibiotics (chloramphenicol), and oral contraceptives.
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have hypokalaemia, optic nerve damage, malabsorption, and renal impairment.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionIt is advisable to avoid or limit alcohol while on methylcobalamin injections. Always discuss your alcohol use with your doctor, especially if you are being treated for a deficiency related to poor nutrition or liver function.
Pregnancy
cautionInform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Your doctor will carefully weigh the benefits against the potential risks before prescribing Methylcobalamin.
Breast Feeding
cautionInform your doctor if you are breastfeeding. Your doctor will determine whether it is safe for you to use Methylcobalamin while nursing.
Driving
cautionMethylcobalamin may cause dizziness. Do not drive or operate machinery if you experience dizziness.
Liver
cautionInform your doctor if you have liver impairment. Your doctor will assess the potential benefits and risks before prescribing Methylcobalamin.
Kidney
cautionInform your doctor if you have kidney impairment. Your doctor will assess the potential benefits and risks before prescribing Methylcobalamin.
Children
safe if prescribedMethylcobalamin should be used in children only if prescribed by a doctor. The doctor will carefully evaluate the benefits and potential risks before recommending its use.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- A healthy diet and lifestyle help improve vitamin B12 levels and support nerve health.
- Eat B12-rich foods such as eggs, dairy products, fish (like salmon and tuna), chicken, and fortified cereals.
- Include folate-rich foods, such as leafy greens, legumes, and whole grains, to support red blood cell production.
- Avoid excessive alcohol, as it can interfere with vitamin B12 absorption and worsen nerve symptoms.
- For vegetarians or vegans, consider B12-fortified foods or supplements after consulting a doctor.
- Stay physically active with gentle exercises, such as walking or yoga, to improve circulation and nerve function.
- Manage blood sugar levels if you have diabetes, as high sugar can worsen nerve damage.
- Avoid smoking, as it reduces blood flow to nerves and may hinder recovery.
- Take Methylcobalamin exactly as prescribed and do not skip doses.
- Attend regular follow-ups to monitor B12 levels and adjust treatment if needed.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Megaloblastic anaemia: Megaloblastic anaemia is a blood disorder in which the red blood cells are abnormally larger than normal. Symptoms include abnormal paleness, decreased appetite, lack of energy, diarrhoea, irritability, numbness and tingling sensation in the hands and feet.
Peripheral neuropathy: Peripheral neuropathy is a condition in which the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord are damaged or diseased. If it is left untreated, it can lead to permanent nerve damage. Symptoms include numbness, weakness, pain, pins and needles sensation.
FAQs
Methylcobalamin belongs to the class of vitamins primarily used to treat peripheral neuropathies and megaloblastic anaemia caused by vitamin B12 deficiency.
Methylcobalamin belongs to the class of vitamins primarily used to treat peripheral neuropathies and megaloblastic anaemia caused by vitamin B12 deficiency. Megaloblastic anaemia is a condition in which the red blood cells are abnormally large.
Methylcobalamin helps protect the nerves from damage and promotes blood cell production. It regulates body functions, such as cell multiplication, blood formation, and protein synthesis.
Inform your doctor about all your medications, especially if you are taking chloramphenicol, colchicine, oral diabetes medicine (metformin), and drugs that reduce stomach acid such as cimetidine lansoprazole, omeprazole and antibiotic medications. These medications may interfere with Methylcobalamin and cause unpleasant side effects or might make Methylcobalamin less effective.
Vitamin B12 sources include eggs, beef, liver, chicken, trout, salmon, tuna, clams, fortified breakfast cereal, low-fat milk, yoghurt, and cheese.
Diarrhoea might be a side-effect of Methylcobalamin. Drink lots of fluids and eat non-spicy food. If you find blood in stools (tarry stools) or if you experience severe diarrhoea, consult your doctor.
Methylcobalamin contains methylcobalamin, a man-made vitamin which is used to treat vitamin B12 deficiency.
Having digestive disorders like Chron’s disease and celiac disease and drinking too much alcohol might impair vitamin B12 absorption leading to its deficiency.
Vitamin B12 deficiency may cause tiredness, loss of appetite, constipation, weakness, weight loss, neuropathic problems and megaloblastic anaemia.
Methylcobalamin is safe and well-tolerated.
Methylcobalamin will be administered by a healthcare professional. Do not self-administer.
Let the doctor know if you have any allergies or if you are taking any other medicines. Methylcobalamin may cause dizziness; do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you.
Methylcobalamin may cause side effects such as pain, itching, swelling or redness at the injection site, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and headache. Talk to your doctor if the side effects persist or worsen.
