Drug Notes

Hydroxocobalamin (By injection)

Hydroxocobalamin (hye-drox-oh-koe-BAL-a-min)

Treats cyanide poisoning.

Brand Name(s):

Cyanokit

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein.
• A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or high or low blood pressure. Tell your doctor if you had an allergic reaction to hydroxocobalamin or cyanocobalamin.
• This medicine may cause skin redness and make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. This may last for up to 2 weeks. Avoid being in the sun while your skin is red. Use a sunscreen when you are outdoors. Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds.
• This medicine may cause an acne-like rash that appears 7 to 28 days after treatment. This rash will disappear within a few weeks.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blurred vision, headache, dizziness
• Fast, slow, pounding, or uneven heartbeat

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Acne-like rash, redness of the skin
• Nausea
• Red-colored urine
• Redness, pain, swelling, or itching where the needle is placed

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017