Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin, also called as cyanocobalamine. Vitamin B12 is prescribed for the patients with vitamin B12 deficiency, mal-absorption syndrome, sore in tongue and lips due to vitamin B12 deficiency or lack of gut microflora, cancerous growth in gut, haemolytic anaemia, pernicious anaemia, parasitic infections including tapeworm infection, liver and kidney problems, hematopoetic malignancy, thyroid problems, surgical gastrectomy that cause vitamin B12 mal-absorption and in pregnancy. Vitamin B12 is available as tablets, nasal spray, sublingual tablets and injections.
Who should not take Vitamin B12?
Vitamin B12 is contraindicated in patients with cobalt intolerance, allergy to synthetic vitamin B12 drugs, eye nerve disorders, electrolytic imbalance, increased uric acid levels, gout, systemic infections, pancytopenia, increased haemoglobin in blood and increased RBC and/or platelets levels. Vitamin B12 should be used in caution in children due to the presence of some other additives in Vitamin B12 injections. In Pregnancy, Vitamin B12 is a category – A drug and the administration of Vitamin B12 needs medical supervision. If the recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) exceeds, pregnancy category – C is applicable and the possibility of side effects in newborn. If you are lactating mother, you should consult your Physician before taking Vitamin B12. You should not take Vitamin B12, if you are taking drugs such as chloramphenicol, all types of antibiotics, antacids, immunosuppressant drugs, methotrexate, alcohol and food with high vitamin B12 contents.
Vitamin B12 Side Effects:
Administration of Vitamin B12 in electrolytic imbalance can cause adverse events including death. In normal conditions, Vitamin B12 can cause rhinitis, cough, fever, cold, arthritis, muscular pain, peeling of skin, dry skin, headache, dizziness, lack of coordination, peripheral vascular thrombosis, anxiety, gait, lack of acid secretion and loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, shortness of breath, increased haemoglobin content in blood and infections with septic shock.
How should I take Vitamin B12?
The recommended dosage for the Vitamin B12 is 100 - 1000 mcg daily. Vitamin B12 can be administered alone or along with folate supplements in accordance to the patient’s need. The following instruction should be followed to take the Vitamin B12 – 100 - 1000 mcg (Daily): (1) Take Vitamin B12 first thing in the morning before you eat or drink anything except plain water. 2) Take Vitamin B12 while you are sitting or standing up. 3) Take Vitamin B12 with 6 to 8 ounces (about 1 cup) of plain water. Do not take Vitamin B12 with any other drink besides plain water. Do not take Vitamin B12 with coffee, tea, juice, milk or other dairy drinks. 4) Swallow Vitamin B12 on a whole. Do not chew the tablet or keep Vitamin B12 in your mouth to melt or dissolve. After taking Vitamin B12 you must wait at least 30 minutes BEFORE: 1) lying down. You may sit, stand, or do normal activities like read the newspaper or take a walk. 2) Eating or drinking anything except plain water.
Keep taking Vitamin B12 for as long as your health care provider tells you. For Vitamin B12 to treat your anaemia or keep you away from getting the symptoms, you have to take Vitamin B12 as often and in the way Vitamin B12 as prescribed.
What should I know about Vitamin B12?
- Take Vitamin B12 exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
- Vitamin B12 can be taken with or without food.
- For Vitamin B12 dosage one must follow his doctor's instructions.
- Take balanced diet while you take Vitamin B12. If you don’t have enough knowledge, consult a dietician or clinical nutritionist.
- It is important to take Vitamin B12 regularly to get the most benefit, as directed by the Physician.
- Check your serum Vitamin B12 and folate levels regularly.
- Perform Complete blood count with electrolytes once in three months.
- Don’t take antacids that contain aluminium salts, while you take Vitamin B12.
- Do not stop taking Vitamin B12 without first talking to your doctor, even if you are feeling well. Even after your symptoms improve, you may require continuous treatment for quite some time, as directed by the Physician.
- Store Vitamin B12 as per the instructions on the label.
What happens if I miss a dose of Vitamin B12?
Take the missed dose of Vitamin B12 as soon as you remember, during the same day. If you do not remember until the next day, skip the missed dose and take Vitamin B12 next day as routine dose. Do not take a double dose of the medication.
What happens if I overdose of Vitamin B12?
As of now, there are no adverse events reported in Vitamin B12 overdose. If you experience any abnormal symptoms, try to seek emergency medical attention immediately.
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