Cyanocobalamin

(sye an oh koe BAL a min)

Is it safe for my child to take this drug?

• Not if your child has an allergy to cyanocobalamin or any other part of this drug.
• Be sure to let the doctor know if your child has any allergies or side effects to drugs, foods, or dyes. Make sure to tell about the allergy and what signs your child had. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs.

Why does my child need this drug?

• It is used to treat anemia.
• It is used to stop and treat low vitamin B

How does this drug work?

• Cyanocobalamin is a diet aid that helps the body make healthy red blood and nerve cells.

How is this drug given?

• All products:
• To gain the most benefit, do not miss giving your child doses.
• Oral:
• Give this drug with or without food. Give with food if it causes an upset stomach.
• Have your child swallow long-acting products whole. Do not let your child chew, break, or crush.
• Place under your child's tongue and let melt. Do not let your child swallow it whole.Under the tongue (sublingual):
• Nose:
• For use in your child's nose only. Keep out of your child's mouth and eyes (may burn).
• Have your child blow nose before use.
• Prime pump by squeezing it 2 to 3 times.
• Check your child's spray use with the doctor at each visit. Read and follow facts on how to use the spray. Make sure your child uses the spray the right way.
• Have your child use 1 hour before or after eating or drinking hot foods or liquids.
• Shot:
• It is given as a shot into a muscle or under the skin.
• Your child's doctor may teach you how to give the shot.
• Wash your hands before and after use.
• Throw away needles in a needle/sharp disposal box and take the box back to your doctor when it is full.

How long does this drug take to work?

• Your child's body uses vitamins and minerals every day.

What do I do if my child misses a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

• Give a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your child's next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your child's normal time.
• Do not give 2 doses or extra doses.

What safety measures do I need to take when my child is using this drug?

• Keep a list of all your child's drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your child's doctor.
• If your child has kidney disease, talk with the doctor.
• Have your child's blood work checked often. Talk with your child's doctor.
• Check all drugs your child is taking with your child's doctor. This drug may not mix well with some other drugs.

What are some side effects of this drug?

• Feeling dizzy. Have your child get up slowly over a few minutes when sitting or lying down. Have your child be extra careful climbing stairs.
• Headache.
• Nervous and excitable.
• Upset stomach or throwing up. Many small meals and good mouth care may help. Older children may suck hard, sugar-free candy.
• Loose stools (diarrhea).

When do I need to call my child's doctor?

• If any of this news causes you to be worried, any of the unwanted side effects happen, or if your child is not better after taking this drug.
• If you think there was an overdose, call your local poison control center or ER right away.
• If your child shows signs of a very bad reaction, call your child's doctor or the ER right away. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or if your child is not acting normal.
• If your child has swelling or pain in his/her leg or arm.
• If your child is feeling very tired or weak.
• If your child has very loose stools (diarrhea).
• If your child gets a rash.
• If your child’s health problem does not get better or if you believe your child’s health problem is worse.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

• Store at room temperature.
• Protect from light.
• Protect tablets from water. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.

General drug facts

• If your child has a very bad allergy, he/she needs to wear an allergy ID at all times.
• You may get this drug by drug order only. If there are refills, call your pharmacy. If your child does not have refills left, you may need to call your child's doctor.
• Get rid of this drug when your child no longer needs it or if the drug is outdated.
• Most drugs may be thrown away in household trash after mixing with coffee grounds or kitty litter and sealing in a plastic bag.
• In Canada, take any unused drugs to the pharmacy. Also, visit http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/med/disposal-defaire-eng.php#th to learn about the right way to get rid of unused drugs.http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/med/disposal-defaire-eng.php#th to learn about the right way to get rid of unused drugs.
• Do not share your child's drug with others and do not give anyone else's drug to your child.
• Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your child's drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your child's doctor.
• Call your doctor for help with any side effects. If in the U.S., you may also call the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or if in Canada, you may also call Health Canada's Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.
• Talk with the doctor before giving your child any new drug, including OTC, natural products, or vitamins.
• If you do not use a drug the right way, it may not be safe. Follow what your child’s doctor tells you.

Copyright © 1978- Lexi-Comp Inc., The Children's Hospital, Denver, CO., and Pediatric Pharmacy Advocacy Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This information is protected under US and international copyright law. Unauthorized use or reproduction is prohibited.