Mecobalamin: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use it

What medicine is Mecobalamin?

What is mecobalamin?

Mecobalamin or methylcobalamine is a form of vitamin B12 that is often used to treat peripheral neuropathy and certain types of anemia.

Vitamin B12 functions to help the body produce red blood cells. This vitamin also plays an important role in reducing levels of homocysteine, an amino acid that is often associated with heart disease, stroke and Alzheimer's.

In addition, according to the Healthline page, consumption of vitamin B12 is also important for energy production by the body. However, consumption of mecobalamin and its effect on the energy of the human body still requires further research.

What are the rules for taking mecobalamin?

Follow the rules given by your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Mecobalamin can usually be taken before and after meals. In addition to the form of drinking, there are also those in the form of injection. For injection, usually given by medical personnel through a vein or muscle.

Immediately consult a doctor if your condition does not improve, or even gets worse and new symptoms appear.

How to store this drug?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't store it in the bathroom or freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules.

Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed.

Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Mecobalamin dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the mecobalamin dosage for adults?

The following are the recommended mecobalamin doses for adults:

Mecobalamin dosage for peripheral neuropathy

• Oral: 500 mcg / day in 3 divided doses
• Parenteral: 500 mcg per day injection 3 times / week

Mecobalamin dose for B12 deficiency anemia

• 500 mcg per day injection 3 times / week
• Maintenance dose: after 2 months of treatment, reduce a single dose of 500 mcg every 1 to 3 months

What is the mecobalamin dosage for children?

The dosage for children for mecobalamin has not been determined. Consult a doctor for more information.

In what dosage is this drug available?

Mecobalamin is available in tablet form containing 1 mg and 5 mg.

The dosage of the drug is adjusted to the age, disease, and overall condition of the patient. There may be several doses of the drug not listed above.

If you are in doubt about the dosage of this drug, please consult a doctor for more information. Your doctor may give you a dose of medicine that suits your condition.

Mecobalamin Side Effects

What side effects might mecobalamin have?

Like other medicines, mecobalamin is also a drug that has the potential to cause side effects in some people, ranging from mild to severe.

Common side effects of mecobalamin are:

• nausea
• throws up
• diarrhea
• headache
• hot sensation

This medicine may also have the risk of causing side effects in the form of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylactic). Immediately stop treatment and seek medical attention if any of the following symptoms occur:

• skin rash
• hives
• difficulty breathing
• swelling of the face, tongue, lips, or throat

Not everyone experiences the following side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above.

If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using mecobalamin?

There are several important things you need to know before starting treatment with mecobalamin.

Before taking mecobalamin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to this drug or any other type of medicine. Your doctor may prescribe other drugs.

Also share any prescription or non-prescription medications you are taking. It is possible that the drugs you are taking have drug interaction effects when taken with mecobalamin.

In addition, it is also important to let your doctor know if you have certain diseases or health conditions. Not only drugs, your health condition can also affect the effect or performance of this drug.

If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, tell your doctor.

Avoid alcohol while you are using this drug. Alcohol consumption is not allowed during treatment because it can cause stomach problems, vomiting, stomach cramps, headaches, sweating, and flushing.

There may be other things not mentioned above. If you have other questions, please consult a doctor for more information. The doctor may provide more complete information, including the dosage, safety, and interactions of this drug.

Listen carefully to all the information explained by the doctor so that the treatment you are doing runs optimally.

Is mecobalamin safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There is no adequate research on the risks of using the drug mecobalamin for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication.

Mecobalamin falls into the category C pregnancy risk (possibly risky) according to US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = Not at risk
• B = No risk in several studies
• C = May be risky
• D = There is positive evidence of risk
• X = Contraindicated
• N = Unknown

Drug Interactions

What medicines may interact with Mecobalamin?

Drug interactions can change the performance of your medications or increase the risk of serious side effects. Not all possible drug interactions are listed in this document.

Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription / non-prescription drugs and herbal products) and consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine without your doctor's approval.

Avoid taking the following medicines while on treatment with mecobalamin because of the potential for gastrointestinal disorders:

• neomycin
• aminosalicylic acid
• H2-blockers
• colchicine

You should also avoid the following medicines because of the potential to decrease the effectiveness of mecobalamin:

• oral contraceptives
• chloramphenicol
• vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
• aminosalicylic acid

Can food or alcohol interact with this drug?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur.

Smoking or consuming alcohol with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions can interact with this drug?

The presence of other health problems in your body can affect the use of this drug. Tell your doctor if you have any of the following health problems:

1. Hypokalemia

Hypokalemia is a condition in which your body lacks potassium (potassium).

If you experience this problem and take mecobalamin at the same time, there is a possibility of side effects that are fatal, even leading to death.

2. Optic nerve problems

People with optic nerve or vision problems, such as Leber's disease, should not take vitamin B12 in any form, including mecobalamin.

Vitamin B12 has the potential to trigger atrophy or a decrease in muscle mass in the visual nerve.

3. Kidney disease

Vitamin B12, including mecobalamin, contains aluminum which has the potential to aggravate already problematic kidneys. Therefore, the consumption of this drug in patients with kidney disease is strongly discouraged.

Overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the emergency services provider (119) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

Here are the signs of a mecobalamin overdose that you need to be aware of:

• nausea
• gag
• dizzy
• lose balance (fall)
• numbness and tingling
• seizures

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose in one medication.