INN monograph
Methylcobalamin
Vitamin / mineral / nutritional supplement · POM
Verified · Updated 01 Aug 2026 · Source: Local active-ingredient clinical extract; RxNorm (NLM RxNav); PubChem; Professional class pharmacology (Vitamin / mineral / nutritional supplement)
Kenya market
Wholesale / list prices where loaded
Risk first
Contraindications
- Hypervitaminosis risk states (hypercalcaemia for vitamin D/A).
- Iron: avoid in iron overload.
- Potassium: severe hyperkalaemia / untreated Addison's.
Precautions
- Treat confirmed deficiency with monitored repletion.
- Avoid megadoses without indication.
- Iron: keep away from children (overdose lethal).
Point of care
Dosing
Adult
Nutritional Deficiency: 25 -2000 mcg daily, PO. Pernicious Anemia: 1000 mcg IM or deep SC OD x 6/7 or 7/7. Maintenance dose: 100 -1000 mcg monthly
Paediatric
See label paediatric section if present; otherwise use paediatric formulary — do not extrapolate adult doses.
Renal
Fat-soluble vitamins and potassium need care in advanced CKD.
- CrCl 0–120: Confirm renal dosing in product SmPC / primary label.
Hepatic
Vitamin A toxicity hepatic; niacin hepatotoxicity at high dose.
Safety
Drug interactions
- Prefer food-first then targeted replacement.
- Document laboratory indication for high-dose therapy.
- Public health: vitamin A, iron, folate programmes per MoH guidance.
Safety
Adverse effects
- GI upset (iron, high-dose vitamin C).
- Hypercalcaemia (vitamin D excess).
- Neuropathy with B6 megadoses.
- Flushing (niacin).
Use
Indications
- Prophylaxis and treatment Vitamin B12 deficiency
- treatment of pernicious anaemia Clinical selection for Methylcobalamin should follow culture results where relevant, Kenya STG/EML recommendations, and the current product SmPC.
- Class context: Vitamin / mineral / nutritional supplement.
- Confirm site-specific dose, duration and monitoring before prescribing.
Pharmacology
Mode of action
It acts as a coenzyme for various metabolic functions such as protein synthesis and fat and carbohydrate metabolism.
Full mechanism text
It acts as a coenzyme for various metabolic functions such as protein synthesis and fat and carbohydrate metabolism. Vitamins and minerals act as cofactors, antioxidants, structural elements or hormone precursors (e.g. vitamin D endocrine axis). Pharmacological high-dose effects differ from nutritional repletion.
ADME
Pharmacokinetics & PD
| Onset | Days–weeks for repletion |
|---|---|
| Duration | Depends on stores and ongoing intake |
| Route | ORAL / IM / IV (selected) |
| Absorption | depends on GI integrity, food matrix and binders (e.g. calcium/iron interactions). Fat-soluble vitamins (A,D,E,K) accumulate; water-soluble generally renally cleared. |
Kenya
Brands & prices
| Brand | Company | Pack | KES |
|---|---|---|---|
| Idanil | Questa Care Inc. | Standard Commercial Pack | — |
| Meconerv Forte | Micro-labs Limited | Standard Commercial Pack | — |
| Meconeuron | Pulse Pharmaceuticals PVT Ltd. | Standard Commercial Pack | — |
| Nervijen | Jenburkt Pharmaceuticals Ltd. | Standard Commercial Pack | — |
| Rejunuron | Fourrts PVT Ltd. | Standard Commercial Pack | — |
Special populations
Pregnancy & lactation
Pregnancy
Folic acid preconception/first trimester critical. Iron/folate common in ANC. Avoid excess vitamin A.
Lactation
Maternal repletion often appropriate; avoid megadoses.
Diet
Food & alcohol
- Food
- Food
Trust
Sources & disclaimer
Source: Local active-ingredient clinical extract; RxNorm (NLM RxNav); PubChem; Professional class pharmacology (Vitamin / mineral / nutritional supplement)
Last reviewed: 01 Aug 2026
Decision support only — not a substitute for clinical judgment, product SmPC, or Kenya STG/EML.