From the Guidelines
To administer a Vitamin B12 intramuscular (IM) injection, you need several essential supplies, including a vial of vitamin B12, a syringe, needle, alcohol prep pads, gloves, and a sharps container, as emphasized by the importance of infection prevention and control in medical settings 1. The necessary supplies for a Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) intramuscular (IM) injection are:
- A vial of vitamin B-12 (cyanocobalamin or hydroxocobalamin), typically in 1000 mcg/mL concentration
- A 3 mL syringe with a 22-25 gauge needle that's 1-1.5 inches long for adult patients
- Alcohol prep pads for skin disinfection
- Clean gloves to protect both the administrator and patient
- A bandage or cotton ball
- A sharps container for proper needle disposal
- Documentation materials to record the administration The use of a sterile, single-use, disposable needle and syringe for each injection is crucial, as highlighted in the study on infection prevention and control in pediatric ambulatory settings 1. It's also important to note that the treatment of vitamin B12 deficiency should be done immediately, especially in cases with possible neurological involvement, and hydroxocobalamin 1 mg intramuscularly should be administered on alternate days until there is no further improvement, then every 2 months, as recommended in the british obesity and metabolic surgery society guidelines 1. Additionally, routine supplementation with vitamin B12 intramuscular injections is recommended for patients undergoing certain bariatric surgeries, with a frequency of every 3 months 1. The key to a safe and efficient administration of the B-12 injection is having all the necessary supplies organized before beginning the procedure, and following proper infection prevention and control protocols, as supported by the most recent and highest quality studies 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Vitamin Deficiency Injectable System - B12 Contents: 1 - Cyanocobalamin Injection, USP 1,000 msg/mL (1mL Vial) 2 - Isopropyl Alcohol Pads 1 - Pair of Sterile Surgical Gloves (sterile & latex free) 1 - Adhesive Bandage (sterile & latex free) 1 - BD Syringe (1 mL) w/ Luer-Lok Tip 1 - 22G x 1 BD Precision Glide Needle (draw) 1 - 30G x 1 BD Precision Glide Needle (administer)
The supplies needed for a Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) intramuscular (IM) injection are:
- Cyanocobalamin Injection, USP 1,000 msg/mL (1mL Vial)
- Isopropyl Alcohol Pads
- Sterile Surgical Gloves (sterile & latex free)
- Adhesive Bandage (sterile & latex free)
- BD Syringe (1 mL) w/ Luer-Lok Tip
- 22G x 1 BD Precision Glide Needle (draw)
- 30G x 1 BD Precision Glide Needle (administer) 2
From the Research
Supplies Needed for Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) Intramuscular (IM) Injection
The following supplies are needed for a Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) intramuscular (IM) injection:
- Vitamin B12 preparation (e.g. cyanocobalamin or hydroxocobalamin) 3, 4, 5
- Syringe and needle for intramuscular injection
- Antiseptic solution for skin preparation
- Gauze or cotton balls for skin cleaning
Dosage and Administration
The recommended dosage and administration of Vitamin B12 for intramuscular injection vary depending on the individual's condition and the cause of the deficiency:
- For maintenance therapy, 1000 micrograms of cyanocobalamin may be administered once a month 3
- For initial loading, 5 or 6 biweekly injections of 1000 micrograms of cyanocobalamin may be administered 3
- For individuals with B12 malabsorption, 1000 µg intramuscular hydroxocobalamin once every two months after the initial loading may be administered 4
- Some individuals may require more frequent administration, ranging from daily or twice weekly to every 2-4 weeks, to remain symptom-free and maintain a normal quality of life 4