Hydroxocobalamin

Hydroxocobalamin is a form of vitamin B₁₂ used to treat cyanide poisoning. It binds cyanide ions to form cyanocobalamin, which the body can excrete.

Cyanide poisoning: A life-threatening condition in which cyanide disrupts cellular energy production. Hydroxocobalamin treats this poisoning by binding circulating cyanide.
Cyanokit: A prescription injectable formulation of hydroxocobalamin approved for cyanide poisoning. This product delivers hydroxocobalamin as an emergency antidote.
Vitamin B₁₂: An essential water-soluble vitamin required for DNA synthesis and normal nervous-system function. Hydroxocobalamin is a naturally occurring form of this vitamin.
Vitamin B₁₂ discovery: The research that identified vitamin B₁₂ as the factor preventing pernicious anemia. Discovery and characterization of B₁₂ established hydroxocobalamin as a distinct cobalamin form.
Cyanocobalamin: A stable form of vitamin B₁₂ in which a cyanide group is bound to cobalt. It is the product formed when hydroxocobalamin captures cyanide.
Smoke inhalation: The inhalation of gases and particles produced by fire, which can cause airway injury and toxic exposure. Fire victims may have cyanide poisoning, for which hydroxocobalamin is used.
Cobalamin structure: The molecular architecture shared by vitamin B₁₂ compounds, including a cobalt-containing corrin ring. The structure explains how hydroxocobalamin can exchange its cobalt-bound group for cyanide.
Hydroxocobalamin drug development: The development of hydroxocobalamin into a medicine for cyanide poisoning. It traces how cyanide-binding chemistry became an emergency treatment.
Cobalt: A metallic chemical element whose ions form the central atom in cobalamin molecules. Its cobalt center binds the cyanide that hydroxocobalamin removes.
Hydroxocobalamin dosage: The amount and schedule of hydroxocobalamin administered for a specific clinical purpose. Emergency treatment uses a defined intravenous dose, with repeat dosing when needed.

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