What is Cyanokit (hydroxocobalamin)?
Cyanokit is an injectable drug that reverses the effect of cyanide.
It is an antidote used for treating cyanide poisoning. Cyanide is an extremely toxic poison. Cyanide poisoning can kill within minutes because it prevents
cells in the body from using oxygen.
What brand names are available for Cyanokit (hydroxocobalamin)?
- Cyanokit is the brand name available for hydroxocobalamin injection.
- Alpharedisol and Hydroxomin are brand names that have been discontinued and are no longer available in the US.
Is Cyanokit (hydroxocobalamin) available as a generic drug?
Yes
Do I need a prescription for Cyanokit (hydroxocobalamin)?
Yes
What are the uses for Cyanokit (hydroxocobalamin)?
- Cyanokit is an antidote for cyanide toxicity. It is used for
treating people with known or suspected cyanide poisoning.
What are the side effects of Cyanokit (hydroxocobalamin)?
- Red colored urine (chromaturia)
- Erythema
- Rash
- Nausea
- Headache
- Decreased white blood cells
- Infusion site reactions
Other side effects include:
- Eye swelling, irritation, redness
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
- Abdominal discomfort
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Indigestion (dyspepsia)
- Peripheral edema
- Chest discomfort
- Allergic reaction
- Memory impairment
- Dizziness
- Restlessness
- Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
- Throat tightness and dry throat
- Itching
- Hot flush
- Increased sun sensitivity (photosenstivity)
- Possible serious side effects include:
- Serious
allergic reactions - High blood pressure
- Abnormal heartbeats
What is the dosage for Cyanokit (hydroxocobalamin)?
- The recommended initial dose is 5 g (one vial) administered by intravenous
infusion over 15 minutes. - A second 5 g dose may be administered if the response is not adequate.
- The maximum total dose is 10 g.
Which drugs or supplements interact with Cyanokit (hydroxocobalamin)?
- Cyanokit drug interaction studies have not been
conducted.
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Is Cyanokit (hydroxocobalamin) safe to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
- Cyanokit has not been adequately
studied in
pregnant women. - It is not known whether Cyanokit is secreted
in breast milk. Cyanokit may be given to nursing mothers in
life-threatening situations. Breastfeeding should be stopped after receiving
Cyanokit.
What else should I know about Cyanokit (hydroxocobalamin)?
What preparations of Cyanokit (hydroxocobalamin) are available?
- Powder for Injection: 5 g/vial
How should I keep Cyanokit (hydroxocobalamin) stored?
- Powder should be stored at room temperature, 15 C to 30 C (59 F to 86 F).
- After mixing with liquid it may be stored for up to 6 hours at a temperature
not exceeding 40 C (104 F). - It should not be frozen, and any unused portion should be discarded after 6
hours.
How does Cyanokit (hydroxocobalamin) work?
- Hydroxocobalamin is made up off
cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12) attached to
cobalt. Hydroxocobalamin reverses the action of cyanide by binding to cyanide
molecules. Each hydroxocobalamin molecule binds to one cyanide ion. The result
of the chemical reaction is inactivation of cyanide and release of
cyanocobalamin which is then excreted in the urine.