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Cyanokit (Hydroxocobalamin): Uses, Side Effects and Dosage

Updated:
Facts
Status:
Prescription (Rx) Current since November 2, 2026
Strength:
5 g/250 mL
Drug class:
Active ingredient:
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Patient information: uses, side effects, how to take - Cyanokit

What is CYANOKIT?

CYANOKIT is prescription medicine used for the treatment of known or suspected cyanide poisoning. Cyanide is a chemical poison. Cyanide poisoning can happen from:

breathing smoke from household and industrial fires

breathing or swallowing cyanide

having your skin exposed to cyanide

The effectiveness of CYANOKIT was based on a study in animals, because intentionally exposing humans to cyanide is not ethical. The safety of CYANOKIT was studied in animals and healthy people and derived from experience in patients exposed to cyanide.

It is not known if CYANOKIT is safe and effective in children.

Cyanide poisoning is a life-threatening condition because cyanide stops your body from being able to use oxygen. You can die if your body does not have enough oxygen.

Tell your healthcare provider if you:

  • have had an allergic reaction to hydroxocobalamin or cyanocobalamin
  • are pregnant or think you may have been pregnant during treatment with CYANOKIT. CYANOKIT may harm your unborn baby. However, treatment for cyanide poisoning may save your life and the life of your unborn baby.
  • are breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment with CYANOKIT. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby during this time.Tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

How is CYANOKIT given?

  • Your healthcare provider will give you CYANOKIT through a vein by intravenous (IV) infusion over 15 minutes.
  • A second dose of CYANOKIT may be given to you if needed.

What should I avoid after I receive CYANOKIT?

  • CYANOKIT may cause red colored skin. Skin redness is common during treatment with CYANOKIT and may last up to 2 weeks after treatment with CYANOKIT. You should avoid sunlight while your skin is red.

What are the possible side effects of CYANOKIT?

CYANOKIT may cause serious side effects, including:

  • Allergic reactions. Signs and symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include chest tightness, trouble breathing, swelling, hives, itching, and rash. Seek emergency help if you experience signs and/or symptoms of an allergic reaction.
  • Kidney problems. CYANOKIT can cause kidney problems, including kidney failure. Tell your healthcare provider if you develop crystals in your urine. Your healthcare provider will monitor your kidney function for 7 days after treatment with CYANOKIT, or longer if needed.
  • Increased blood pressure. Increased blood pressure is a common but serious side effect during treatment with CYANOKIT. Your healthcare provider will monitor your blood pressure during treatment with CYANOKIT.

The most common side effects of CYANOKIT include:

  • red colored urine. Red colored urine redness may last up to 5 weeks after treatment with CYANOKIT.
  • acne-like rash. Acne-like rash may appear 7 to 28 daysafter treatment with CYANOKIT. This rash usually goes away without any treatment.
  • nausea
  • headache
  • reactions at the site of infusion

These are not all the side effects with CYANOKIT.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

General information about the safe and effective use of CYANOKIT.

This Patient Information leaflet summarizes the most important information about CYANOKIT. If you would like more information, talk to your healthcare provider. You can ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for information about CYANOKIT that is written for health professionals.

What are the ingredients in CYANOKIT?

Active ingredient: hydroxocobalamin

Manufactured by: Merck Santé s.a.s., Semoy, France

Distributed by BTG International Inc. West Conshohocken, PA 19428

1-877-377-3784BTG and the BTG roundel logo are registered trademarks of BTG International Ltd.For more information, go to www.CYANOKIT.com.

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About this document

Source: FDA drug labeling via NLM DailyMed · Application number: NDA 022041 · View the label on DailyMed

Revision date stated in the text: May 2021

Found a mistake? Write to us via the contact page.

The information on this site does not replace the advice of a doctor or pharmacist.

Drug information for Cyanokit

Rx or OTC
Prescription (Rx)?
  • This drug is available only with a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
  • Rx
Drug class Antidote
Active ingredient Hydroxocobalamin 5 g/250 mL
Dosage form Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution
Route Intravenous
Marketing status listed in the FDA NDC Directory
Company (applicant) BTG INTL
FDA approval NDA 022041New Drug Application (NDA) Approved December 15, 2006
Reference listed drug This is the reference listed drug (RLD) that generics are compared with.
Manufacturers 1 labelers list this drug on DailyMed
Drug shortage
  • Current since November 2, 2026
Packages (NDC)
Package
5 g/250 mL – 250 ml in 1 vial, glass / 1 in 1 carton

Source: FDA drug labeling via NLM DailyMed, data as of November 4, 2026. FDA data (DailyMed, Orange Book, Drug Shortages, enforcement reports). Not a substitute for the advice of a doctor or pharmacist.