Methylcobalamin is a form of vitamin B12 which has an important role in the formation of red blood cells, metabolism of body cells, nerve cells, and DNA production.
Methylcobalamin or mecobalamin is used to treat vitamin B12 deficiency. Vitamin B12 deficiency or deficiency can cause peripheral neuropathy, megaloblastic anemia, or glossitis. Methylcobalamin is available in capsule and injectable form.
Methylcobalamin trademark:Kalmeco, Mecobalamin, Meprobal, Methycobal, Metifer, Mevrabal-500, Oxicobal, Pyrabal, Scanmecob, Simcobal
What is Methylcobalamin
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Vitamin supplements |
| Benefit | Overcoming vitamin B12 deficiency |
| Used by | Mature |
| Methylcobalamin for pregnant and lactating women | Category N: Not categorized. Methylcobalamin can be absorbed into breast milk. For breastfeeding mothers, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Capsules and injections |
Warnings Before Using Methylcobalamin
There are several things you need to pay attention to before using methylcobalamin, namely:
- Tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking supplements containing methylcobalamin or cobalt.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have had Leber's disease, neurological disease of the eye, iron deficiency, folic acid deficiency, or hypokalemia.
- Do not consume alcoholic beverages while on treatment with methylcobalamin.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- See your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction or overdose after taking methylcobalamin.
Dosage and Rules for Use of Methylcobalamin
In general, the dose of methylcobalamin capsules for treating peripheral neuropathy and megaloblastic anemia due to vitamin B12 deficiency is 500 mcg, 3 times daily.
Methylcobalamin is also available in injectable form, which will be directly given by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor. Methylcobalamin injections can be administered through a vein (intravenous/IV) or through a muscle (intramuscular/IM).
Methylcobalamin Nutritional Adequacy Rate
The nutritional adequacy of methylcobalamin varies from person to person, depending on health conditions and age. The following is a figure for the nutritional adequacy of methylcobalamin by age:
- Age 14 years: 2.4 mcg per day
- Pregnant women: 2.6 mcg per day
- Breastfeeding women: 2.8 mcg per day
- Age 50 years: 25–100 mcg per day
How to use Methylcobalamin Properly
Follow your doctor's recommendations and read the directions on the supplement packaging. Do not reduce or increase the dose without consulting your doctor first.
Methylcobalamin capsules can be taken before or after meals. Consumption of methylcobalamin regularly for maximum effect.
The injection of methylcobalamin will be directly carried out by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor. The doctor will adjust the dose according to the patient's needs.
Keep in mind that vitamin and mineral supplements are used to supplement vitamin and mineral intake, especially when nutritional intake from food is not sufficient.
Store methylcobalamin in a place away from direct sunlight. Keep supplements out of reach of children.
Methylcobalamin Interactions with Other Drugs
The following are the effects of interactions that may occur when methylcobalamin is used with other drugs:
- Decreased absorption of methylcobalamin when used with neomycin, colchicine, metformin, drugs proton pump inhibitor such as omeprazole, or H2 blocking drugs such as ranitidine
- Decreased blood levels of methylcobalamin when used with birth control pills or vitamin C
- Decreased effectiveness of methylcobalamin when used with large doses of folic acid
In addition, if methylcobalamin is consumed with alcoholic beverages, the absorption of this vitamin by the body can be reduced.
Methylcobalamin Side Effects and Dangers
If used according to the dosage recommended by the doctor, methylcobalamin rarely causes side effects. However, if methylcobalamin is consumed in excess, side effects can appear in the form of:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhea
Especially for injection preparations, side effects that can arise are diarrhea, dizziness, headache, or swelling at the injection site. Check with your doctor if you experience any of the side effects mentioned above. Immediately see a doctor if you experience an allergic reaction to drugs after taking methylcobalamin.