Nascobal (Cyanocobalamin) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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February 9, 2012

Nascobal

Crohn's Disease »

What is Crohn's disease?

Crohn's disease (also spelled Crohn disease) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the intestines. It primarily causes ulcerations (breaks in the lining) of the small and large intestines, but can affect the digestive system anywhere from the mouth to the anus. It is named after the physician who described the disease in 1932. It also is called granulomatous enteritis or colitis, regional enteritis, ileitis, or terminal ileitis.

Crohn's disease is related closely to another chronic inflammatory condition that involves only the colon called ulcerative colitis. Together, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are frequently referred to as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease have no medical cure. Once the diseases begin, they tend to fluctuate between periods of inactivity (remission) and activity (relapse).

Inflammatory bowel disease affects approximately 500,000 to two million peop...

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Nascobal

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Nascobal®
Nasal spray
(Cyanocobalamin, USP)
500 mcg/spray
2.3 mL (8 sprays)

DRUG DESCRIPTION

Cyanocobalamin is a synthetic form of vitamin B₁₂ with equivalent vitamin B₁₂ activity. The chemical name is 5,6-dimethyl-benzimidazolyl cyanocobamide. The cobalt content is 4.35%. The molecular formula is C₆₃H₈₈CoN₁₄O₁₄P, which corresponds to a molecular weight of 1355.38 and the following structural formula:

Nascobal (Cyanocobalamin, USP) Structural Formula Illustration

Cyanocobalamin occurs as dark red crystals or orthorhombic needles or crystalline red powder. It is very hygroscopic in the anhydrous form, and sparingly to moderately soluble in water (1:80). Its pharmacologic activity is destroyed by heavy metals (iron) and strong oxidizing or reducing agents (vitamin C), but not by autoclaving for short periods of time (15-20 minutes) at 121°C. The vitamin B₁₂ coenzymes are very unstable in light.

Nascobal® Nasal Spray is a solution of Cyanocobalamin, USP (vitamin B₁₂) for administration as a spray to the nasal mucosa. Each bottle of Nascobal (cyanocobalamin) Nasal Spray contains 2.3 mL of a 500 mcg / 0.1 mL solution of cyanocobalamin with sodium citrate, citric acid, glycerin and benzalkonium chloride in purified water. The spray solution has a pH between 4.5 and 5.5. The spray pump unit must be fully primed (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION) prior to initial use. After initial priming, each spray delivers an average of 500 mcg of cyanocobalamin and the 2.3 mL of spray solution contained in the bottle will deliver 8 doses of Nascobal (cyanocobalamin) Nasal Spray. The unit must be re-primed before each dose. (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).

What are the possible side effects of cyanocobalamin nasal (Nascobal)?

If you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives), stop using cyanocobalamin nasal and seek emergency medical attention:

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to use cyanocobalamin nasal and talk to your doctor if you experience

headache;
runny nose;
upset stomach; or
numbness or tingling.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur....

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Nascobal »

What are the precautions when taking cyanocobalamin (Nascobal)?

Before using cyanocobalamin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to cobalt; or if you have any other allergies. Your doctor may recommend that you receive a smaller test dose before starting your regular dose. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: low potassium blood levels (hypokalemia), gout, a certain blood disorder (polycythemia vera), a certain eye disease (Leber's disease), other vitamin/mineral deficiencies (especially folic acid and iron).

Tell your doctor if you develop a stuffy or runny nose (e.g., due to a common cold or allergies) while...

Read All Potential Precautions of Nascobal »

Last reviewed on RxList: 4/10/2007
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.