Methylcobalamin: Uses, How It Works, Medicines
Methylcobalamin is a form of vitamin B12, which the body needs to make healthy red blood cells and keep nerves working. It is used to prevent or treat low vitamin B12. A doctor should find the cause of a deficiency, because untreated B12 deficiency can cause nerve damage that may not fully reverse.
Also known as: Mecobalamin, Vitamin B12, Active vitamin B12, Methylcobalamin 1500 mcg, Methyl B12
Pharmacist review in progress. This page is based on the sources listed below and is being checked by our registered pharmacist.
How does Methylcobalamin work?
Vitamin B12 is used by the body to make red blood cells and to keep nerve cells healthy. A supplement replaces B12 when food or absorption does not supply enough.
How to take Methylcobalamin
Follow the label or your doctor's advice. The strength and how long it is taken depend on the cause of the low B12, which a doctor decides.
Side effects of Methylcobalamin
Most people take B12 supplements without problems. Side effects are uncommon and usually mild.
Uncommon or mild
- Nausea or an upset stomach
- Loose stools
- Headache
Rare but serious: get medical help
- Swelling of the face, lips or throat, an itchy raised rash or difficulty breathing (severe allergic reaction). Call 112
Who should be careful
Some people should check with a doctor before taking vitamin B12 supplements.
When the label says not to use it
- Allergy to vitamin B12 or any ingredient of the product
- Tingling, numbness, weakness or memory problems should be checked by a doctor, because they have many causes and low B12 is only one of them
- Pernicious anaemia or poor absorption of B12: tablets may not be enough and a doctor may advise another treatment
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: ask your doctor before taking supplements
Medicines and things that interact with Methylcobalamin
Some medicines lower the amount of B12 the body absorbs. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about everything you take.
- Acid-reducing medicines such as proton pump inhibitors: the NHS lists them as able to reduce B12 absorption
- Epilepsy medicines (anticonvulsants): the NHS lists them as able to reduce B12 absorption
- Metformin: long-term use can lower B12 levels
If someone takes too much
Extra B12 is mostly passed out in the urine and a single extra dose is unlikely to cause harm. If someone has taken much more than the label says, call 112 or go to the nearest hospital and take the pack with you.
Regulatory status in India
Sold in India as a vitamin B12 supplement. Whether a product is licensed as a medicine or a food supplement, and any prescription status, must be read from the pack. Combinations that include methylcobalamin differ by product, so check the label.
Type of medicine
Methylcobalamin belongs to this type of medicine.
Medicines that contain Methylcobalamin
These medicines sold in India contain Methylcobalamin. They are listed A to Z, not ranked.
- Nurokind OD · 1500 mcg verify on pack
What is Methylcobalamin used for?
Medicines that contain Methylcobalamin are used for these conditions.
Other medicines of the same type
These active ingredients are of the same type as Methylcobalamin.
Common questions
What is methylcobalamin?
It is one of the forms of vitamin B12 sold as a supplement. The body uses B12 to make red blood cells and keep nerves healthy. It is used when B12 is low. A doctor should confirm the cause with a blood test.
Who is more likely to have low vitamin B12?
The NHS names people on a vegan diet without supplements or fortified foods, older people, people with pernicious anaemia, and people taking some medicines such as acid-reducing or epilepsy medicines. A blood test and a doctor's advice confirm it.
Can low vitamin B12 cause lasting problems?
Yes. The NHS says that nerve problems from a long-standing deficiency may not fully recover, so early diagnosis and treatment matter. Do not rely on a supplement alone for tingling or weakness; see a doctor to find the cause.
Sources
- Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anaemia. NHS (UK)
- List of drugs prohibited for manufacture and sale through gazette notifications under section 26A of the Drugs & Cosmetics Act 1940. Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO)