What is the brand name for Cyanocobalamin?
The brand name for Cyanocobalamin is OTC (Vitamin B12).
PTCE Top 200 · #104
Cyanocobalamin
OTC (Vitamin B12)
Cyanocobalamin is the generic name for the brand-name drug OTC (Vitamin B12). It is a vitamin b12 used to treat B12 deficiency. On the PTCE Top 200 drug list, Cyanocobalamin ranks #104 and is one of the most frequently tested vitamins/minerals/supplements medications — commonly quizzed on its brand–generic pair, drug class, and key side effects.
| Generic name | Cyanocobalamin |
|---|---|
| Brand name(s) | OTC (Vitamin B12) |
| Drug class | Vitamin B12 |
| Class group | Vitamins/Minerals/Supplements |
| Common use | B12 deficiency |
| DEA schedule | Unscheduled |
| Availability | OTC/Rx |
What is Cyanocobalamin used for?
Vitamin B12 used to treat and prevent B12 deficiency (including pernicious anemia); available as oral, nasal, and injectable formulations.
What drug class is Cyanocobalamin?
Cyanocobalamin is a Vitamin B12 in the Vitamins/Minerals/Supplements group. Knowing the class is the fastest way to predict its uses, side effects, and the brand↔generic pairs the PTCE tests.
Common side effects of Cyanocobalamin
- arrow_rightDiarrhea (rare)
- arrow_rightItching/rash (rare)
- arrow_rightInjection‑site pain (if injectable)
- arrow_rightHeadache (rare)
Major interactions
- arrow_rightMetformin and acid‑suppressing therapy (PPIs/H2 blockers) can reduce B12 absorption over time
- arrow_rightChloramphenicol may blunt hematologic response to B12 therapy (rare/clinical monitoring)
- arrow_rightLarge doses of vitamin C taken at same time may reduce oral B12 availability (separate if advised)
Is Cyanocobalamin a controlled substance?
No. Cyanocobalamin is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
How to remember Cyanocobalamin (PTCE mnemonic)
B12 = 'BE-12 alert' for nerves + RBCs — cyanocobalamin. Deficiency → macrocytic anemia + neuropathy; pernicious anemia needs IM (no intrinsic factor).
lightbulb
PTCE exam tip
B12 deficiency causes anemia PLUS nerve symptoms — and long-term metformin or PPI use can deplete B12, a favorite drug–nutrient interaction.
Cyanocobalamin FAQ
What is Cyanocobalamin used for?
Cyanocobalamin is used to treat B12 deficiency. Vitamin B12 used to treat and prevent B12 deficiency (including pernicious anemia); available as oral, nasal, and injectable formulations.
What drug class is Cyanocobalamin?
Cyanocobalamin is a Vitamin B12 (Vitamins/Minerals/Supplements group).
Is Cyanocobalamin a controlled substance?
No. Cyanocobalamin is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
Related drugs in the Vitamins/Minerals/Supplements group
Drill Cyanocobalamin the way the PTCE asks it
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Last reviewed June 25, 2026. Educational use only — not medical advice. Verify clinical specifics with your pharmacist or a current label source such as DailyMed. RxReflex is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).