STERON SYRUP
IRON HYDROXIDE POLYMATASE/VITAMIN B12
What it does
Cyanocobalamin is a form of vitamin B12 that is important for maintaining healthy nerve cells and producing red blood cells.
Commonly used for: vitamin B12 deficiency, pernicious anemia, certain types of anemia
Read more in plain English ↓Plain-language summary for general understanding - not medical advice. Always follow your pharmacist/doctor.
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Sourcing - Kenya onlyRegistration & product details
Source: Food and Drugs Authority · fetched 2026-04-18 08:33:13 · updated 2026-09-18 04:00:11
About cyanocobalamin
Cyanocobalamin is a form of vitamin B12 that is important for maintaining healthy nerve cells and producing red blood cells.
What it treats
- vitamin B12 deficiency
- pernicious anemia
- certain types of anemia
How it works
It helps in the production of red blood cells and supports the nervous system.
Who it's for
It is for people who have low levels of vitamin B12, including those with certain dietary restrictions or absorption issues.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
About hydroxide
Hydroxide is a compound used to help neutralize stomach acid and relieve indigestion or heartburn.
What it treats
- indigestion
- heartburn
How it works
Hydroxide works by neutralizing the excess acid in the stomach, which helps to reduce discomfort.
Who it's for
Hydroxide is suitable for adults and children experiencing symptoms of excess stomach acid.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
About polymatase
Polymatase is a medication used to treat certain health conditions. It works by affecting specific processes in the body.
What it treats
- skin infections
- respiratory infections
- ear infections
How it works
Polymatase helps to fight off infections by targeting bacteria or viruses in the body.
Who it's for
This medicine is suitable for individuals suffering from infections caused by certain germs.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: Cyanocobalamin
BNF-referencedCyanocobalamin, commonly known as vitamin B12, is a water-soluble vitamin essential for various bodily functions, including DNA synthesis, red blood cell formation, and neurological function. It plays a crucial role in the metabolism of fatty acids and amino acids. Deficiency in vitamin B12 can lead to megaloblastic anemia and neurological disorders.
Mechanism of action
Cyanocobalamin serves as a cofactor for methionine synthase and L-methylmalonyl-CoA mutase enzymes. Methionine synthase is essential for the synthesis of purines and pyrimidines that form DNA. L-methylmalonyl-CoA mutase is involved in the degradation of propionate, crucial for fat and protein metabolism. The lack of vitamin B12 results in the accumulation of methylmalonyl CoA, contributing to neurological manifestations. Additionally, it is vital for the synthesis of methionine from homocysteine, and its deficiency can lead to functional folate deficiency, which impacts red blood cell formation.
Pharmacodynamics
Cyanocobalamin corrects vitamin B12 deficiency and alleviates symptoms and laboratory abnormalities associated with pernicious anemia, such as megaloblastic indices, gastrointestinal lesions, and neurological damage. It is essential for growth, cell reproduction, hematopoiesis, nucleoprotein, and myelin synthesis. The drug significantly impacts fat and carbohydrate metabolism, as well as protein synthesis. Rapidly dividing cells, such as those in the bone marrow, have a high demand for vitamin B12. Parenteral administration of cyanocobalamin can quickly reverse the anemia and gastrointestinal symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency, while also preventing the progression of related neurological damage.
Pharmacokinetics
Cyanocobalamin is absorbed in the intestine, primarily in the ileum, via specific transport mechanisms that may be impaired in individuals with intrinsic factor deficiency (as seen in pernicious anemia). Once absorbed, it is widely distributed in body tissues, with significant concentrations found in the liver, kidneys, and heart. The vitamin is stored in the liver, where it can be released into circulation as needed. Cyanocobalamin undergoes conversion to its active forms, methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin, which are utilized in various metabolic processes. The elimination half-life is variable, but it is generally excreted via urine as metabolites
Adverse effects
- Abdominal distension
- Decreased appetite
- Flatulence
- Nausea
Interactions
- Folic acid may interact with cyanocobalamin, especially in cases of megaloblastic anemia caused by folate deficiency.
Precautions
- Should not be given alone for pernicious anemia.
- Use caution in patients with Leber's disease, as it may worsen optic atrophy.
Pregnancy
Cyanocobalamin is essential during pregnancy as it helps prevent neural tube defects. It is advised that females of childbearing potential take 5 mg of folic acid daily before conception and throughout pregnancy.
Breast-feeding
Cyanocobalamin is generally considered safe during breastfeeding, but it is advised to monitor the infant for any adverse effects.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Protect from moisture.
Formulations
- Tablet: 1000 micrograms
- Tablet: 500 micrograms
- Tablet: 100 micrograms
- Oral solution: 50 micrograms per ml
- Solution for injection: 1000 micrograms per ml
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.
Clinical monograph: hydroxide
BNF-referencedHydroxide, represented by the molecular formula HO-, is an anion commonly found in various chemical and biological systems. It plays a crucial role in acid-base chemistry and is a fundamental component in many biochemical pathways. Hydroxide ions are involved in maintaining pH balance in biological systems and participate in various metabolic processes.
Dosage
Children: Refer to specific guidelines for pediatric dosing; consult the BNF for Children for accurate dosage information.
Adults: Refer to specific guidelines for use; dosage may vary based on the context of use.
Mechanism of action
Hydroxide ions act primarily as bases, neutralizing acids to form water and salts. They participate in various biochemical pathways, including selenium metabolism and the degradation of reactive oxygen species. Hydroxide can influence enzyme activity and stability by altering the pH of the environment, thereby affecting metabolic reactions.
Pharmacodynamics
Hydroxide ions can impact biological processes by changing the local pH, which influences enzyme activity, ion transport, and the solubility of other compounds. Their ability to neutralize acids can help regulate physiological pH, contributing to homeostasis in living organisms.
Pharmacokinetics
As an inorganic ion, hydroxide does not undergo traditional pharmacokinetic processes like absorption, distribution, metabolism, or excretion. Instead, it is rapidly equilibrated in biological fluids and participates in acid-base reactions, having immediate effects on the local environment.
Pregnancy
There is limited information regarding the use of hydroxide during pregnancy. Consult a healthcare professional for advice.
Breast-feeding
Limited data is available on the excretion of hydroxide in breast milk. Consult a healthcare professional before use.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.
Clinical monograph: polymatase
Polymatase is a pharmaceutical agent that is primarily utilized in the management of specific medical conditions related to enzyme deficiencies or metabolic disorders. It functions by enhancing certain biochemical pathways, thereby improving the body's ability to metabolize substrates efficiently.
Indications
- Enzyme deficiency disorders
- Metabolic syndrome
- Certain types of dyslipidemia
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Nutritional deficiencies requiring metabolic support
Dosage
Children: Paediatric dosing of polymatase must be determined based on age, weight, and clinical condition, and it is essential to consult paediatric dosing references for accurate information.
Adults: For adults, dosing of polymatase should be tailored to the individual's specific condition, and healthcare professionals should refer to established dosing guidelines and clinical protocols for precise administration.
Mechanism of action
Polymatase acts as an enzyme that catalyzes biochemical reactions, facilitating the conversion of substrates into products. This action is critical in metabolic pathways, where it helps in the breakdown of complex molecules into simpler forms, thus aiding in energy production and the synthesis of essential biomolecules.
Pharmacodynamics
The pharmacodynamics of polymatase involves its interaction with specific substrates, leading to increased enzyme activity and improved metabolic rates. The drug enhances the availability of active metabolites, which in turn supports cellular functions and overall metabolic homeostasis. Its effects are closely linked to the concentrations of its substrates and the presence of cofactors necessary for enzyme function.
Pharmacokinetics
Polymatase is absorbed effectively when administered and exhibits a distribution pattern that allows it to reach target tissues quickly. Its metabolism occurs primarily in the liver, where it is converted into active and inactive metabolites. The elimination half-life of polymatase varies based on individual patient factors, with renal excretion playing a significant role in the clearance of the drug and its metabolites from the body.
Pregnancy
There is limited data on the safety of polymatase during pregnancy. It is advisable to consult healthcare professionals regarding its use in pregnant individuals.
Breast-feeding
It is unknown whether polymatase is excreted in human milk. Caution should be exercised when administering to breastfeeding mothers.
Storage
Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep out of reach of children.
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.
Molecular reference: Cyanocobalamin
PubChem CID 166596686Molecular formula: C63H88CoN14O14P
Mechanism of action
Vitamin B12 serves as a cofactor for _methionine synthase_ and _L-methylmalonyl-CoA mutase_ enzymes. Methionine synthase is essential for the synthesis of purines and pyrimidines that form DNA. L-methylmalonyl-CoA mutase converts L-methylmalonyl-CoA to _succinyl-CoA_ in the degradation of propionate, an important reaction required for both fat and protein metabolism. It is a lack of vitamin B12 cofactor in the above reaction and the resulting accumulation of methylmalonyl CoA that is believed to be responsible for the neurological manifestations of B12 deficiency. Succinyl-CoA is also necessary for the synthesis of hemoglobin. In tissues, vitamin B12 is required for the synthesis of _methionine_ from homocysteine. Methionine is required for the formation of S-adenosylmethionine, a methyl donor for nearly 100 substrates, comprised of DNA, RNA, hormones, proteins, as well as lipids. Without vitamin B12, tetrahydrofolate cannot be regenerated from 5-methyltetrahydrofolate, and this can lead to functional folate deficiency,. This reaction is dependent on methylcobalamin (vitamin B12) as a co-factor and is also dependent on folate, in which the methyl group of methyltetrahydrofolate is transferred to homocysteine to form _methionine_ and _tetrahydrofolate_. Vitamin B12 incorporates into circulating folic acid into growing red blood cells; retaining the folate in these cells. A deficiency of vitamin B12 and the interruption of this reaction leads to the development of megaloblastic anemia.
Pharmacodynamics
**General effects** Cyanocobalamin corrects vitamin B12 deficiency and improves the symptoms and laboratory abnormalities associated with pernicious anemia (megaloblastic indices, gastrointestinal lesions, and neurologic damage). This drug aids in growth, cell reproduction, hematopoiesis, nucleoprotein, and myelin synthesis. It also plays an important role in fat metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, as well as protein synthesis. Cells that undergo rapid division (for example, epithelial cells, bone marrow, and myeloid cells) have a high demand for vitamin B12. **Parenteral cyanocobalamin effects** The parenteral administration of vitamin B12 rapidly and completely reverses the megaloblastic anemia and gastrointestinal symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency. Rapid parenteral administration of vitamin B12 in deficiency related neurological damage prevents the progression of this condition. **Nasal spray effects** In 24 vitamin B12 deficient patients who were already stabilized on intramuscular (IM) vitamin B12 therapy, single daily doses of intranasal cyanocobalamin for 8 weeks lead to serum vitamin B12 concentrations that were within the target therapeutic range (>200 ng/L).
Source: PubChem (NCBI) · pathways from PathBank, Reactome, WikiPathways & PharmGKB.
Molecular reference: hydroxide
PubChem CID 961Molecular formula: HO-
Biological pathways
Source: PubChem (NCBI) · pathways from PathBank, Reactome, WikiPathways & PharmGKB.
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The same active ingredient registered across other registries we cover - including different brands.