Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

HYDROXOCOBALAMIN HYDROCHLORIDE

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Water- soluble vitamin used in the treatment of Vitamin B12 deficiency which occurs in
strict vegetarians, in patients with absorption syndrome or metabolic disorders, in
nitrous oxide- induced megaloblastosis or following gastrectemy. Megoblastic anaemia
results from such deficiency.

SYNONYMS

C62-H90-Cl-Co-N13-O15-P, "aquocobalamin hydrochloride", "hydroxycobalaminium
hydrochloride", "idrossocobalamina hydrochloride", "Co-alpha-[alpha-5, 6-
dimethylbenzimidazolyl)]-Co-beta-hydroxocobamide", "Co-alpha-[alpha-5, 6-
dimethylbenzimidazolyl)]-Co-beta-hydroxocobamide", "cobinamide dihydroxide dihydrogen
phosphate (ester) mono(inner salt), ", "3'-ester with 5, 6-dimethyl-1-alpha-D-
ribofuranosyl-1H-benzimidazole HCl", "3'-ester with 5, 6-dimethyl-1-alpha-D-ribofuranosyl-
1H-benzimidazole HCl", "alpha-(5, 6-dimethylbenzimidazolyl)hydroxocobamide hydrochloride",
"hydroxocobemine hydrochloride", OHB12, "Alpha Cobione", Alpha-Ruvite, Axion, Axlon,
"Ciplamin H", Cobalin-H, Cobalex, Codroxomin, Depogamma, Docelan, Docevita, Droxomin,
Ducobee-hy, Duradoce, Duralta-12, Hydrogrisevit, Hydrovit, Hyxobamine, Idrogriseovit,
Lyovit-H, "Neo-Betalin 12", Neo-Cytamen, Neo-macrabin, Neo-Rojamin, OH-Duphar, Oxobemin,
"Primabalt RP", Oxolamine, alphaRedisol, "Redisol H", Sytobex-H, Vitadurin

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  Although ingestion is not thought to produce harmful effects, the material may still be damaging to the health of the individual following ingestion, especially where pre-  existing organ (e.g. liver, kidney) damage is evident. Present definitions of harmful or toxic substances are generally based on doses producing mortality (death) rather than those producing morbidity (disease, ill-health). Gastrointestinal tract discomfort may produce nausea and vomiting. In an occupational setting however, ingestion of insignificant quantities is not thought to be cause for concern.  Considered an unlikely route of entry in commercial/industrial environments.  Cobalamins are absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract but may be irregularly absorbed when given in large therapeutic doses. Absorption is impaired in the absence of Castles Intrinsic Factor. Cobalamins are stored in the liver, excreted in the bile and undergo some hepatoenteric recirculation; part of the dose is excreted in the urine.  In toxic doses soluble cobalt salts produce stomach pain and vomiting, flushing of the face and ears, rash, ringing in the ears, nervous deafness and reduced blood flow to the extremities.  

EYE

  Although the material is not thought to be an irritant, direct contact with the eye may produce transient discomfort characterized by tearing or conjunctival redness (as with windburn).  

SKIN

  The material is not thought to produce adverse health effects or skin irritation following contact (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless, good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable gloves be used in an occupational setting.  

INHALED

  The material is not thought to produce adverse health effects or irritation of the respiratory tract (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless, good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable control measures be used in an occupational setting.  Persons with impaired respiratory function, airway diseases and conditions such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis, may incur further disability if excessive concentrations of particulate are inhaled.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Principal routes of exposure are by accidental skin and eye contact andinhalation of generated dusts.  Though the cobalamins are generally well tolerated, allergic hypersensitivity reactions have followed the administration of the Vitamin B12 factors, cyanocobalamin and hydroxocobalamin. Vitamin B12 rapidly increases the rate of cell maturation, in vivo, and as a consequence increases the rate of nucleic acid degradation which in turn increases blood uric acid levels; this may produce gout in susceptible individuals.  Inhalation of cobalt powder can induce asthma, chest tightness and chronic inflammation of the bronchi. Chronic exposure to cobalt causes increase in blood hemoglobin, increased production of cells in the blood marrow and thyroid gland, discharge from around the heart and damage to the alpha cells of the pancreas. Long-term administration has caused goiter (overactivity of the thyroid) and reduced thyroid activity. Allergic inflammation of the skin may appear following exposure to cobalt, usually exhibited as red patches. Injection of cobalt can cause cancer at the site of entry.