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Cyanokit
(hydroxocobalamin for injection) 5 g for intravenous infusion

Treatment for known or suspected cyanide poisoning

What is Cyanokit?

Cyanokit is an emergency treatment (antidote) used in patients with known or suspected cyanide poisoning. Cyanide is a chemical poison. Cyanide poisoning can happen from:

• breathing smoke from household and industrial fires
• breathing or swallowing cyanide
• having your skin exposed to cyanide

Cyanide poisoning is a life-threatening condition because cyanide stops your body from being able to use oxygen. You can die if your body does not have enough oxygen.

Cyanokit was approved for the treatment of known or suspected cyanide poisoning based on testing:

• how well it worked in animals (It is not ethical to poison people with cyanide in order to test a treatment.)
• its safety in people with cyanide poisoning

How is Cyanokit used?

Cyanokit is given through a vein (intravenous) over 15 minutes by an emergency care provider or doctor. A second dose may be given to you if needed.

What are possible side effects with Cyanokit?

Serious side effects may include:

• allergic reactions Signs of a serious allergic reaction include chest tightness, trouble breathing, swelling, hives, itching, and a rash.
• increased blood pressure

Other side effects may include:

• red colored urine
• red colored skin and mucous membranes, acne-like rash
• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bloody stools, trouble swallowing, stomach pain
• throat tightness, dry throat
• headache, dizziness, memory problems, restlessness
• infusion site reaction
• eye swelling, irritation, or redness
• swelling of feet and ankles
• irregular heart beat, increased heart rate
• fluid in lungs

These are not all the side effects with Cyanokit.

After treatment with Cyanokit:

• Skin and urine redness. Skin redness may last up to 2 weeks. Avoid sun exposure while your skin is red. Urine redness may last up to 5 weeks.
• Acne-like rash. An acne-like rash may appear 7 to 28 days after treatment with Cyanokit. This rash usually goes away without any treatment.
• Pregnancy. Be sure to tell your doctor immediately if you were pregnant or think you may have been pregnant during treatment with Cyanokit. Treatment for cyanide poisoning may save your life and the life of your unborn baby.
• Breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor if you breastfeed your child. The ingredient in Cyanokit may pass into your breast milk.

Talk to your doctor about any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

Last reviewed on RxList: 5/26/2011
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.