Cyanocobalamin

Generic name: cyanocobalamin (oral) [ sye-AN-oh-koe-BAL-a-min ]
Brand names: B-12, Eligen B12, Vitamin B12
Dosage forms: oral tablet (100 mcg; 1000 mcg; 1000 mcg with salcaprozate sodium; 250 mcg; 2500 mcg; 50 mcg; 500 mcg); oral tablet, extended release (1000 mcg; 5000 mcg); sublingual liquid (3000 mcg/mL); sublingual lozenge (1000 mcg; 6000 mcg); sublingual tablet (1000 mcg; 2500 mcg; 500 mcg; 5000 mcg)
Drug class:Vitamins

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jan 11, 2021. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is oral cyanocobalamin?

Cyanocobalamin is a form of vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is important for growth, cell reproduction, blood formation, and protein and tissue synthesis.

Cyanocobalamin is used to treat vitamin B12 deficiency in people with pernicious anemia or other conditions such as folic acid deficiency, pregnancy, thyroid problems, stomach and intestinal disorders, bleeding, liver or kidney disease, parasite infection, or cancer.

Cyanocobalamin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

You should not use cyanocobalamin if you are allergic to cobalt, or if you have Leber's disease.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to cobalt or if you have Leber's disease. Cyanocobalamin can lead to optic nerve damage (and possibly blindness) in people with Leber's disease.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have ever had:

• low levels of calcium or potassium in your blood;

• heart disease;

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