Cyanokit

Cyanokit

Generic Name: hydroxocobalamin (injection) (hye DROX o koe BAL a min)

What is Cyanokit?

Cyanokit (hydroxocobalamin) is a form of vitamin B-12. It is used as an antidote to cyanide poisoning. Cyanokit works by helping cells in the body convert cyanide to a form that can be removed from the body through urination.

Cyanokit is used in an emergency to treat cyanide poisoning. This type of poisoning can occur if you are exposed to smoke from a house or industrial fire, if you swallow or breathe in cyanide, or if you get cyanide on your skin.

Cyanokit may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Important information about Cyanokit

Cyanokit is usually given in an emergency, so you may not have time to tell your caregivers about any drugs you take or medical conditions you have. However, you will need follow-up medical care after receiving this medication. Tell your doctor if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, or congestive heart failure.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

You may develop an acne-like skin rash from 1 week to as late as 4 weeks after you are treated with Cyanokit. This rash should go away without treatment. Call your doctor if you have a rash that does not clear up on its own.

This medication can cause you to have unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you have recently received a Cyanokit injection.

What should I discuss with my health care provider after receiving Cyanokit?

Cyanokit is usually given in an emergency, so you may not have time to tell your caregivers about any medical conditions you have. However, you will need follow-up medical care after receiving this medication. Tell your doctor if you have:

high blood pressure;

heart disease; or

congestive heart failure.

FDA pregnancy category C. Cyanokit may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether hydroxocobalamin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

See also: Cyanokit pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)

How should I take Cyanokit?

Cyanokit is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein, most often in an emergency situation. The medicine must be given slowly through an IV infusion, and can take about 15 minutes to complete.

Cyanokit is usually given only once. However, you may receive a second dose if needed.

You may develop an acne-like skin rash from 1 week to as late as 4 weeks after you were treated with Cyanokit. This rash should go away without treatment. Call your doctor if you have a rash that does not clear up on its own.

This medication can cause you to have unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you have recently received a Cyanokit injection.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since Cyanokit is used in an emergency, you will most likely be given only one or two doses of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of Cyanokit is extremely unlikely.

What should I avoid while taking Cyanokit?

If your skin turns red after receiving Cyanokit, avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (sunlamps or tanning beds). This medication can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and sunburn may result. Use a sunscreen (minimum SPF 15) and wear protective clothing if you must be out in the sun.

What are the possible side effects of Cyanokit?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Cyanokit: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

increased blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, trouble concentrating, chest pain, numbness, seizure);

fast or uneven heart rate;

bright red blood in your stools; or

swelling in your hands or feet.

Less serious Cyanokit side effects are more likely to occur, such as:

red coloring of your skin or urine (this may last up to 2 weeks);

nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain;

acne, skin rash or itching;

warmth or redness under your skin;

dry throat, trouble swallowing;

headache, dizziness, memory problems, restless feeling;

pain, swelling, or irritation of your skin where the injection was given; or

eye redness or irritation.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See also: Cyanokit side effects (in more detail)

What other drugs will affect Cyanokit?

Cyanokit is usually given in an emergency, so you may not have time to tell your caregivers about any other medications you are using. However, you will need follow-up medical care after receiving Cyanokit. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor if you have recently be treated with this medication.

More Cyanokit resources

Cyanokit Side Effects (in More Detail)

Cyanokit Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Cyanokit Drug Interactions

Cyanokit Support Group

0 Reviews for Cyanokit - Add your own review/rating

Cyanokit Prescribing Information (FDA)

Cyanokit Kit MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

Hydroxocobalamin Prescribing Information (FDA)

Hydroxocobalamin Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)

Hydroxocobalamin MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

Compare Cyanokit with other medications

Schilling Test

Transcobalamin II Deficiency

Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist has information about Cyanokit written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

Hydroxocobalamin is available with a prescription under the brand name Cyanokit. Other brand or generic forms may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.