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Hydroxocobalamin
Hydroxocobalamin
(hye droks oh koe BAL a min)
Click for Brand Names: U.S.
- Cyanokit®
Click for Brand Names: Canada
- Cyanokit®
Is it safe for my child to take this drug?
- Not if your child has an allergy to hydroxocobalamin 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
- It is used to treat cyanide poisoning.
How is this drug given?
- To gain the most benefit, do not miss giving your child doses.
- It is given as a shot into a muscle.
- 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.
- Cyanide poisoning:
- It is given as a shot into a vein over a period of time.
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?
- 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?
- 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.
- Keep a list of all your child's drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your child's doctor.
- Your child may get sunburned more easily. Avoid lots of sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. Use sunscreen and dress your child in clothing and eyewear that protects him/her from the sun.
What are some side effects of this drug?
- Loose stools (diarrhea).
- Irritation where the shot is given.
- Cyanide poisoning:
- High blood pressure. Blood pressure most often goes back to normal when this drug is stopped.
- Change in color of urine to red. May last 5 weeks.
- Change in color of skin to red. May last 2 weeks.
- Pimple-like rash.
- Headache.
- Upset stomach or throwing up.
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 has been an overdose, call 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org), or emergency room (ER) right away.http://www.aapcc.org), or emergency room (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.
- Cyanide poisoning:
- This drug will be given to you in a hospital or doctor's office. You will not store it at home.
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.
- If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- 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.
- These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
- 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.
This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take this medicine or any other medicine. Only your healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for you. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about this medicine. It does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to this medicine. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your healthcare provider. You must talk with your healthcare provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of using this medicine.
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Note: All information on TeensHealth® is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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