Cyanocobalamin – vitamin B12 used to treat and prevent vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia

29 Aug.,2022

 

68-19-9

Dosage

The amount of cyanocobalamin you need depends on the level of vitamin B12 in your blood and why your levels are low. Your doctor or pharmacist will advise you on what dose to take.

The usual dose for:

  • diet-related deficiency is 50 micrograms to 150 micrograms, taken once a day
  • B12 deficiency not caused by your diet is one to two 1,000 microgram tablets, taken once or twice a day – this is usually if you cannot have vitamin B12 injections

In children the doses may be lower.

If you are taking supplements that you have bought, follow the dosage instructions that come with them.

How to take it

Swallow prescribed cyanocobalamin tablets whole with a drink of water. Do not chew or break them.

It’s usually best to take the tablets on an empty stomach. This means at least 2 hours after a meal or snack and at least 30 minutes before you eat again.

For cyanocobalamin supplements that you buy, follow the instructions that come in the packet.

Will my dose go up or down?

To see how well your tablets are working, your doctor may ask you about symptoms such as tiredness and lack of energy. You may also have regular blood tests to monitor the levels of vitamin B12 in your blood.

Your doctor may want to increase or decrease your dose of cyanocobalamin tablets depending on the level of vitamin B12 in your blood.

What if I forget to take it?

If you forget to take cyanocobalamin tablets, take your usual dose as soon as you remember, unless it’s nearly time for your next dose. In this case just leave out the missed dose and take your next one as normal.

Never take more than your usual number of tablets at one time. Never take extra tablets to make up for forgotten ones.

If you forget your tablets often, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to help you remember to take your medicine.

What if I take too much?

Taking an extra dose of cyanocobalamin tablets is unlikely to harm you.