How and when to take cyanocobalamin - Brand name: Orobalin

Dosage and how to take cyanocobalamin

Dosage

Cyanocobalamin tablets that you get on prescription come in strengths of 50 micrograms (mcg) and 1,000 micrograms.

Cyanocobalamin vitamin B12 supplements that you can buy come as tablets, capsules, mouth sprays and drops. These come in different strengths from 10 micrograms to 1,000 micrograms.

The word microgram is sometimes written with the symbol μ followed by the letter g (μg).

The amount of cyanocobalamin you need depends on the level of vitamin B12 in your blood and why your levels are low. Your doctor or pharmacist will advise you on what dose to take.

For adults with diet-related vitamin B12 deficiency, the usual dose is 50 micrograms to 150 micrograms, taken once a day.

For adults with vitamin B12 deficiency not caused by your diet, the usual dose is one to two 1,000 microgram tablets, taken once or twice a day. This is usually if you cannot have vitamin B12 injections.

In children, the doses may be lower.

If you're taking supplements that you've bought, follow the dosage instructions that come with them.

Changes to your dose

To see how well your tablets are working, your doctor may ask you about symptoms such as tiredness and lack of energy. You may also have regular blood tests to monitor the levels of vitamin B12 in your blood.

Your doctor may want to increase or decrease your dose of cyanocobalamin tablets depending on the level of vitamin B12 in your blood.

How to take it

Swallow prescribed cyanocobalamin tablets whole with a drink of water. Do not chew or break them.

It's usually best to take the tablets on an empty stomach. This means at least 2 hours after a meal or snack and at least 30 minutes before you eat again.

For cyanocobalamin supplements that you buy, follow the instructions that come in the packet.

How long to take it for

Your doctor or pharmacist will advise you how long you need to take cyanocobalamin tablets.

You may be able to stop taking it when your vitamin B12 blood levels are back to normal.

However, you may need to take it for the rest of your life if your diet does not have enough vitamin B12 or you cannot absorb enough vitamin B12 from your food.

If you forget to take it

If you forget to take your cyanocobalamin tablets, take your usual dose as soon as you remember, unless it's nearly time for your next dose. In this case just leave out the missed dose and take your next one at the usual time.

Never take more than your usual number of tablets at one time. Never take extra tablets to make up for forgotten ones.

If you forget your tablets often, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to help you remember to take your medicine.

If you take too much

Taking an extra dose of cyanocobalamin tablets is unlikely to harm you.