Vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin)
Uses of Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin)
Vitamin B12 is used in the treatment of Megaloblastic Anemia.
How Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin) Works
Vitamin B12 helps in metabolic functions that is important in cell replication, blood production, nucleic acid and protein synthesis, production of epithelial cells and maintenance of myelin in the central nervous system.
Side Effects of Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin)
Nausea and vomiting, Diarrhea, Hot sensation, Diaphoresis, Pain or induration, Hypersensitive reaction, Anorexia, Headache
Warnings
Kidney Use With Care
Patients with kidney disease specifically those who are not in the dialysis treatment should be careful with the dose of Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin), Vitamin B9 and Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin) as it may increase the risk of heart attack, stroke and reduce the kidney function.
Alcohol Safe
There is no known interaction between alcohol and Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin) when used concomitantly.
Pregnancy Not Safe
There are no animal reproduction studies, nor adequate and well controlled studies done in pregnant women with Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin) and it is not known whether Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin) can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. However, it is an essential vitamin and the requirements increase during pregnancy. Consult your doctor regarding the recommended amount that should be consumed during pregnancy.
Driving Generally Safe
There is no data regarding the dangers of driving while taking Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin)
Liver Limited Data
Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin) is safe to use for patient with liver disease. In fact, it is required for the health of the liver and lower levels of Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin) correlates with higher degree of fibrosis in the liver at least for the non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.
Lactation Limited Data
Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin) appears in the milk of the lactating mother and the recommended amount should be consumed by the patient.
Written by Dr Sri Viknarajan, MD (Universiti Hasanuddin, Indonesia)
Reviewed by Dr Nur Syuhada binti Zulkifli, MD, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).
