Methycobal overview, side effects, uses, available forms, pharmacological action, dosage, contraindications, and use in pregnancy

Methycobal Overview

Methycobal is a synthetic form of Vitamin B12 which is necessary for nerve health, brain function, and red blood cell production. This medicine is basically used to treat Vitamin B12 deficiency in people with anaemia and peripheral neuropathy (nerve pain in hands and feet). The Methycobal regulates certain basic bodily functions like cell multiplication, blood formation, and protein synthesis. Methycobal produce side effects like diarrhoea, headache, nausea, and vomiting. Tell your doctor if these side effects do not resolve with time or worsen. Avoid taking alcohol during treatment with Methycobal as it may reduce the effect of this medicine. Methycobal can be taken with an empty stomach or food. Your doctor will decide the dose and duration of treatment on the basis of your health. Do not stop taking this medicine without the consent of your doctor as your condition may become worse. Avoid consumption of this medicine with an antacid as it may delay the absorption of Methycobal. Methycobal should not be used if you are allergic to it, or if you have Leber's disease (nerve condition that leads to sudden, painless vision loss). Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicine or have any medical condition before starting the treatment. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, or want to conceive, or are breastfeeding.

Methycobal tablet

Mehtycobal Side effects

Major & minor side effects of Methycobal are as follows

Nausea and vomiting

Diarrhoea

Decreased appetite

Headache

Skin rash

Uses of Methycobal

Methycobal is used in the treatment of the following conditions

Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy is the impairment of the peripheral nerves that are present outside the brain and spinal cord. This nerve damage frequently occurs in your feet and hands, resulting in weakness, numbness, and pain. There are several reasons that can lead to peripheral neuropathy such as diabetes, injuries, and infections. Methycobal is used in the treatment of peripheral neuropathy. This medicine helps in the development of myelin, a protective covering that surrounds the nerve fibres.

Neuropathic pain

Megaloblastic Anaemia

Megaloblastic anaemia is a condition in which the bone marrow (a spongy substance found in the centre of the bones) yields abnormal and immature red blood cells. This condition is mainly caused due to a deficiency of either Vitamin B12 or folic acid in your body. Symptoms may involve muscle weakness, diarrhoea, vision problems, etc. Methycobal is used to treat anaemia due to deficiency of Vitamin B12. This medicine promotes the production of red blood cells.

Methycobal forms:

Tablet:Methycobal occurs as dark red crystals or crystalline powder. It is soluble in water, slightly soluble in ethanol (99.5), and practically insoluble in acetonitrile. It is sensitive to light.

Injection: METHYCOBAL is a clear, red liquid that contains the following ingredients, and is contained in a brown ampoule 

Methycobal injection

Pharmacological action:

 Methycobal contains mecobalamin, which is a kind of endogenous coenzyme B12.Mecobalamin plays a necessary role in transmethylation as a coenzyme of methionine synthetase in the synthesis of methionine from homocysteine.

Mecobalamin is well transported to nerve cell organelles, which promotes nucleic acid and protein synthesis. 

Mecobalamin accelerates axonal transport and axonal regeneration.

Methycobal Dosage/Direction for Use

Tablet: The daily dose for adults is 3 tablets, equivalent to a total of 1,500 μg of mecobalamin, administered orally in 3 divided doses. The dose also adjusted according to the age of the patient and the severity of symptoms.

Injection:

Peripheral neuropathies: The normal dosage for adults is 1 ampoule (500 μg of mecobalamin) per day, administered intramuscularly or intravenously 3 times a week. The dosage is also adjusted depending on the patient's age and symptoms.

Megaloblastic anemia: The normal dosage for adults is 1 ampoule (500 μg of mecobalamin) per day, administered intramuscularly or intravenously 3 times a week. After about 2 months of medication, the dose should be adjusted to a single administration of 1 ampoule at 1 to 3 months intervals for maintenance therapy.

Overdosage

Injection: There is no specific antidote. In the case of overdose, treatment should be symptomatic and general supportive measures should be utilised.

Contraindications

Injection: Hypersensitivity to any form of vitamin B12.

Special Precautions

Tablet: 

 Methycobal should not be administered for long periods (months) to patients who show no clinical response.

Other Precautions: Prolonged use of larger doses of Methycobal is not recommended for  those patients whose occupation is related to  handling mercury or its compounds.

Injection: 

METHYCOBAL should not be used for more than one month unless it is effective.

Methycobal Use In Pregnancy & Lactation

Injection: Animal studies do not show  direct or indirect harmful effects with respect to pregnancy. Clinical studies have been done on pregnant women and not any  harmful effects have been reported.