Mecobalamin

Description

Methylcobalamin is an analog of vitamin B12 with diverse neurological activities.It regulates body functions, such as cell multiplication, blood formation, and protein synthesis. It is also used in the treatment of alcoholic neuropathy, pernicious anaemia (red blood cells are not produced due to Vitamin B12 deficiency), diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage due to high blood sugar levels), and multiple sclerosis (immune system disease affecting the brain).

Chemical properties

Dark Red Crystalline Powder

Physical properties

Vitamin B12 is an octahedral cobalt complex consisting of a porphyrin-like, cobalt centered macroring (called a corrin ring or nucleus). The corrinoids are red, red orange, or yellow crystalline substances that show intense absorption spectra above 300 nm owing to the π–π transitions of the corrin nucleus. They are soluble in water and are fairly stable to heat but decompose at temperatures above ～210 °C without melting.
Vitamin B12 reacts with ascorbic acid, resulting in the reduction and subsequent degradation of the former, which releases its cobalt atom as the free ion. Cobalamins are more stable in the presence of ascorbic acid but unstable to light

The Uses of Mecobalamin

Mecobalamin is one of the biologically active forms of vitamin B12; differing only by the substitution of a methyl for the cyano group. Coenzyme required in the biosynthesis of methionine. Vitamin (hematopoietic).

The Uses of Mecobalamin

Histamine receptor, Alzheimer research

Definition

A vitamin B 12 analog used as an intermediate in the synthesis of methane. It is responsible for the methylation of inorganic mercury by anaerobic bacteria in bottom sediments. Through the action of methylcobalamin in an anaerobic bacteria in bottom sediments of aquatic systems, arsenic(III) is methylated to methanearsonic acid then to cacodylic acid.

Side Effects

Significant: Anaphylactic reactions (inj) (e.g. dyspnoea, hypotension); hypokalaemia, thrombocytosis.

Gastrointestinal disorders: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea.

General disorders and administration site conditions: Pain or induration at inj site; feeling hot, diaphoresis.

Metabolism and nutrition disorders: Loss of appetite.

Nervous system disorders: Headache.

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: Rash.

Potentially Fatal: Anaphylactic shock (inj).

Mechanism of action

Mecobalamin, a water-soluble vitamin, is a biologically active form of vitamin B12. It acts as a coenzyme in the synthesis of methionine from homocysteine. It promotes nucleic acid and protein synthesis in nerve cells, promotes axonal transport and regeneration. Additionally, it enhances nerve fibre excitability, promotes lecithin synthesis by increasing myelination, and promotes maturation and division of erythroblasts.

Absorption

Actively absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Time to peak plasma concentration: 3-4 hours (oral); approx 1 hour (IM).

Metabolism

Undergoes extensive enterohepatic recycling.

Side Effects

Common side effects of Mecobalamin include: vomiting, diarrhoea, nausea, headache and loss of appetite. Rarely, hypotension, hypokalaemia and thrombocytosis occur. Serious allergic reactions are rare, contact your doctor if you experience hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing.