How to Identify Side Effects of Vitamin B12 Injections
Vitamin B12 injections, also called cyanocobalamin injections, are admistered to persons suffering from smptoms of Vitamin B 12 deficiency, which can include advanced age, anemia and chronic fatique syndrome. Side effects are varied, and are generally mild. During the adminsistration of Vitamin B12 injections to neonates, life threatening respiratory effects can occur.
Instructions
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Expect some pain at the site of the injection. Vitamin B12 injections must be administered in a manner known as an "intramuscular" injection. This is a very deep injection that results in pain, warmth and sometimes itching at the site of the injection.
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Be on guard for a feeling of tightness in the chest, palpitations, or rapid heartbeat can be side effects of Vitamin B12 injections.
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Watch for gastrological side effects. Mild diarrhea, upset stomach and nausea may occur with the injection of Vitamin B12. These are among the more common but mild side effects of Vitamin B12 injections.
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Monitor the patient for toxicity. Also known as cyanocobalmin, there is some conjecture that the cyano part of cobalomin is related to cyanide, which is extremely poisonous. Thus it may be toxic to cells.
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Check for respiratory problems. The most serious side effect of Vitamin B12 injections is not caused by the vitamin itself, but by the preservative in the injection solution, which is benzyl alcohol. This can cause shortness of breath, coughing and wheezing. When administered to newborns, especially those with low birthweight, the symptoms of slow heatbeat, sudden gasping or low blood pressure indicates a serious respiratory effect that, if not treated immediately, can result in death.
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