How do I reconstitute CYANOKIT?

Preparation and Administration 1

  1. Reconstitute: Place the vial in an upright position.
  2. Mix: The vial should be repeatedly inverted or rocked, not shaken, for at least 60 seconds prior to infusion.
  3. Infuse Vial: Use vented intravenous tubing, hang and infuse over 15 minutes.

How does a CYANOKIT work?

Cyanokit contains hydroxocobalamin, a form of vitamin B-12. It is used as an antidote to cyanide poisoning. Hydroxocobalamin works by helping cells in the body convert cyanide to a form that can be removed from the body through urination. Cyanokit is used in an emergency to treat cyanide poisoning.

How effective is hydroxocobalamin?

Based on the limited efficacy data available, as well as the more widely documented safety data, hydroxocobalamin is a safe and effective first-line antidote for cyanide toxicity and has been demonstrated to be efficacious in patients with cyanide poisoning with whole blood cyanide levels up to 150 μmol/L.

Does hydroxocobalamin contain cyanide?

It is not universally available, however, so the older kits still have a role. Hydroxocobalamin (vitamin B12a) has a central cobalt atom that binds cyanide ions, forming cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12), which is nontoxic and renally excreted.

What is in a CYANOKIT?

CYANOKIT contains hydroxocobalamin, an antidote indicated for the treatment of known or suspected cyanide poisoning. The active ingredient in CYANOKIT is hydroxocobalamin, the hydroxylated active form of vitamin B12.

Can hydroxocobalamin be given IV?

The starting dose of hydroxocobalamin for adults is 5 g administered as an intravenous infusion over 15 minutes (approximately 15 mL/min). Administration of the entire vial constitutes a complete starting dose.

Why does CYANOKIT turn urine red?

By combining with cyanide, hydroxocobalamin forms cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12), restoring mitochondrial function. Hydroxocobalamin imparts a harmless and transient reddish colour to the skin and urine. It may also cause transient hypertension, which can be beneficial in patients with cyanide poisoning.

How quickly does a CYANOKIT work?

Depending upon the severity of the poisoning and the clinical response, a second dose of 5 g may be administered by IV infusion up to a total dose of 10 g. The rate of infusion for a potential second dose may range from 15 minutes (for patients in extremis) to 2 hours, as clinically indicated.

Is hydroxocobalamin toxic?

There have been no reports of any known toxicity to hydroxocobalamin. As a result, there is no amount of hydroxocobalamin considered as a vitamin B12 overdose. There is no antidote.

Is hydroxocobalamin the same as methylcobalamin?

In the serum, hydroxocobalamin and cyanocobalamin are believed to function as storage or transport forms of the molecule, whereas methylcobalamin and 5-deoxyadenosylcobalamin are the active forms of the coenzyme required for cell growth and replication.

Is hydroxocobalamin the same as B12?

Hydroxocobalamin is a manufactured version of the vitamin B12. It is used to treat and prevent vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia (when you have low levels of this vitamin in the body). The most common cause of vitamin B12 deficiency in the UK is pernicious anaemia. Hydroxocobalamin is only available on prescription.