Mecobalamin


Generic Medicine Info
Indications and Dosage
Oral
Megaloblastic anaemia caused by vitamin B12 deficiency, Peripheral neuropathy
Adult: 500 mcg tid, may adjust dose depending on patient age and severity of symptoms.

Parenteral
Megaloblastic anaemia caused by vitamin B12 deficiency
Adult: 500 mcg via IV/IM inj 3 times weekly for 2 months. Maintenance therapy: 500 mcg via IV/IM inj every 1-3 months.

Parenteral
Peripheral neuropathy
Adult: 500 mcg via IV/IM inj 3 times weekly, may adjust dose depending on patient age and severity of symptoms.
Administration
May be taken with or without food.
Special Precautions
Pregnancy and lactation.
Adverse Reactions
Gastrointestinal disorders: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain.
General disorders and admin site conditions: Hot sensation, diaphoresis, pain/induration (IM).
Immune system disorder: Rarely, hypersensitivity reaction e.g. rash, dyspnoea.
Metabolism and nutrition disorders: Anorexia.
Nervous system disorders: Headache.
Monitoring Parameters
Monitor serum K and vitamin B12 levels; haematocrit and reticulocyte count.
Drug Interactions
Decreased absorption with aminosalicylic acid, chloramphenicol, colchicine, histamine-2 antagonists, neomycin and proton pump inhibitors (e.g. omeprazole). Decreased serum concentrations with oral contraceptives. Impaired therapeutic response with large and continuous doses of folic acid.
Food Interaction
Reduced absorption with alcohol intake.
Action
Description: Mecobalamin is a naturally occurring vitamin B12 in the body. It acts as a coenzyme of methionine synthetase in the transmethylation of homocysteine to methionine for various metabolic functions that are essential in cell replication and haematopoiesis. It also promotes nucleic acid and protein synthesis, production of all epithelial cells and maintenance of myelin throughout the nervous system.
Synonym: methylcobalamin
Pharmacokinetics:
Absorption: Actively absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Time to peak plasma concentration: 3 hours (oral); 3 minutes (IV); 0.9 hour (IM).
Distribution: Extensively bound to transcobalamin. Crosses placenta and enters breast milk.
Excretion: Via urine (40-90%).
Storage
Tab/cap: Store below 30°C. Solution for inj: Store between 2-8°C. Protect from light.
MIMS Class
Haematopoietic Agents / Nootropics & Neurotonics/Neurotrophics / Vitamin B-Complex / with C
ATC Classification
B03BA05 - mecobalamin ; Belongs to the class of vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin and analogues). Used in the treatment of anemia.
References
Anon. Methylcobalamin. Lexicomp Online. Hudson, Ohio. Wolters Kluwer Clinical Drug Information, Inc. https://online.lexi.com. Accessed 01/02/2019.

Buckingham R (ed). Vitamin B12 Substances. Martindale: The Complete Drug Reference [online]. London. Pharmaceutical Press. https://www.medicinescomplete.com. Accessed 01/02/2019.

Meconeuro Capsule (PT Novell Pharmaceutical Laboratories). MIMS Philippines. http://mims.com/philippines. Accessed 04/02/2019.

Meconeuro Solution for Injection (PT Novell Pharmaceutical Laboratories). MIMS Philippines. http://mims.com/philippines. Accessed 04/02/2019.

Methycobal Solution for Injection (Eisai Co., Ltd.). MIMS Philippines. http://mims.com/philippines. Accessed 04/02/2019.

Methycobal Tablet (HI-Esai Pharmaceutical, Inc.). MIMS Philippines. http://mims.com/philippines. Accessed 04/02/2019.

Disclaimer: This information is independently developed by MIMS based on Mecobalamin from various references and is provided for your reference only. Therapeutic uses, prescribing information and product availability may vary between countries. Please refer to MIMS Product Monographs for specific and locally approved prescribing information. Although great effort has been made to ensure content accuracy, MIMS shall not be held responsible or liable for any claims or damages arising from the use or misuse of the information contained herein, its contents or omissions, or otherwise. Copyright © 2024 MIMS. All rights reserved. Powered by MIMS.com
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