Use for: Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble, group of cobalt-containing B complex vitamins, known as cobalamins. Cyanocobalamin and hydroxocobalamin are its principal forms in clinical use. It is used for the prevention and treatment of vitamin B12 deficiency, pernicious anemia with or without neurological complications, Vitamin B12 malabsorption induced macrocytic or megaloblastic anemia (eg. gastrectomy). Prevention of vascular disease and age-related macular degeneration.
Concerns: Generally well tolerated. Histamine receptor antagonists (eg. ranitidine) may have the potential to cause vitamin B12 deficiency by decreasing gastric acid cleavage of vitamin B12 from food sources. Patients with low stores of vitamin B12 or H2-antagonists for extended periods of time need to check their medical condition before taking the vitamin B12.