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 is hydroxocobalamin?
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 should I discuss with my health care provider after receiving hydroxocobalamin?
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:
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.
How should I take hydroxocobalamin?
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 miss a dose?
Since hydroxocobalamin is used in an emergency, you will most likely be given only one
or two doses of this medication.
What happens if I overdose?
An overdose of hydroxocobalamin is extremely unlikely.
What should I avoid while taking hydroxocobalamin?
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.
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