Hydroxocobalamin (Intravenous)

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 6, 2022.

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

Cyanokit

Available Dosage Forms:

Powder for Solution

Therapeutic Class: Cyanide Antidote

Pharmacologic Class: Vitamin B (class)

Uses for hydroxocobalamin

Hydroxocobalamin injection is an emergency treatment (antidote) used in patients with known or suspected cyanide poisoning. Cyanide poisoning is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. It is more likely to occur if you breathe smoke from closed-space household and industrial fires, or you have swallowed or breathe cyanide (a chemical poison), or your skin is exposed to cyanide. Signs and symptoms include chest tightness, confusion, dilated or enlarged pupils, nausea or vomiting, rapid or shallow breathing, trouble breathing, or seizures.

Hydroxocobalamin is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of a doctor.

Before using hydroxocobalamin

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For hydroxocobalamin, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to hydroxocobalamin or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of hydroxocobalamin injection in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Geriatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of hydroxocobalamin injection in the elderly.

Breastfeeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with food/tobacco/alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Hydroxocobalamin Intravenous