Methylcobalamin Injection: Uses, Strengths, Side Effects and the Vibcare Range

• Updated 5 October 2026
• Reviewed by Sudhanshu Singhal
• 11 min read
• 21 sources

What is methylcobalamin injection?

Methylcobalamin is one of the coenzyme forms of vitamin B12, and it is the coenzyme of the enzyme methionine synthase. The injection is given into a muscle or a vein.

Vitamin B12 is sold in several forms, and they are not identical in structure or in how they are handled by the body. The following points are taken from published labels and reviews and are given here as information only.

• Methylcobalamin is already a coenzyme form of vitamin B12. The Japanese label for Methycobal injection describes it as the coenzyme of methionine synthase.
• Cyanocobalamin is a synthetic form. According to a 2025 review, the body removes the cyanide group before converting it into the active forms, methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin.
• Hydroxocobalamin is retained in the body longer than cyanocobalamin, and it is the therapy of choice in UK guidance, with maintenance injections every 2-3 months.

A 2024 review notes that the US FDA has not approved methylcobalamin as a drug, and that the evidence for its use in nerve pain is mostly from animal studies and small trials. Many brands are sold in India; discuss any vitamin B12 product with your doctor rather than choosing a form on your own.

Methylcobalamin in India's essential medicines list

India's National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM) 2022 lists hydroxocobalamin injection 1 mg/ml under antianaemia medicines, and it does not list methylcobalamin injection. This is relevant to price control, which is explained in a later section.

What is methylcobalamin injection used for?

According to the official product labels, methylcobalamin injection is used for peripheral neuropathy and for megaloblastic anaemia caused by vitamin B12 deficiency. The Indian manufacturer text for Mecovon-1000 (Zuventus) also lists pernicious anaemia, vitamin B12-deficiency neuropathies and the Schilling test among its stated uses.

Who should not use it

• The Indian Mecovon text states that it is contraindicated in newborns and premature infants.
• The Singapore label for Methycobal says it must not be used by people who are hypersensitive to any form of vitamin B12 or to the excipient D-mannitol.

Strengths and packs available in India

Methylcobalamin injection is available in India in strengths of 500 mcg, 1000 mcg, 1500 mcg and 2500 mcg, in 1 ml and 2 ml ampoules and vials, for intramuscular or intravenous use. Some brands state a strength of 1500 mcg per ml, while others state 1500 mcg in a 2 ml pack, so the pack label should be read carefully.

Combination injections are also sold, usually pairing methylcobalamin with niacinamide, pyridoxine and in some packs D-panthenol. Vibcare's own combination range is a 1000 mcg methylcobalamin injection with niacinamide 100 mg, pyridoxine HCl 100 mg and D-panthenol 50 mg.

Well-known brands in the Indian market

How it is given

Methylcobalamin injection is given by a doctor or nurse, either intramuscularly or intravenously, exactly as prescribed. The schedule below is the dose stated in the Japanese Methycobal label and is reproduced here for information only; readers must follow their own doctor's prescription.

• As stated in the Japanese label, adults: 500 mcg by intramuscular or intravenous injection three times a week, adjusted for age and symptoms.
• For megaloblastic anaemia: after about two months, one ampoule every one to three months as maintenance, as stated in that label.
• If no effect is seen: the label says the injection should not be continued aimlessly beyond about one month.
• Children: the label notes that no clinical trials have been carried out in paediatric patients.

Side effects and precautions

The Japanese label lists the side effects below. A severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) needs medical help at once.

• Anaphylaxis: frequency unknown; the label describes low blood pressure and breathlessness.
• Skin: rash, listed at under 0.1%.
• General: headache, feverish feeling and sweating.
• Injection site: pain or hardening at the site with intramuscular use.
• Indian pharmacy listings also mention rare nausea, diarrhoea, loss of appetite and rash, and advise stopping the medicine if a rash appears.

Handling and storage precautions

• Methylcobalamin is photolabile, so the ampoule should be used immediately after opening and protected from light. It is supplied in brown glass ampoules in a light-protective pack.
• For intramuscular injections, the label advises rotating injection sites and avoiding nerves.
• The Indian Mecovon text asks that the product be stored below 25 degrees Celsius in the original pack.

Is methylcobalamin injection under price control?

Methylcobalamin injection is not listed in the NLEM 2022, so it is a non-scheduled formulation and has no NPPA ceiling price. Under paragraph 20 of the DPCO 2013, the maximum retail price of a non-scheduled formulation may not be increased by more than 10% in twelve months.

Without a ceiling price, each company sets its own MRP within that 10% yearly limit. For a plain-language guide to the rules, see our article on the Drug Price Control Order.

The Vibcare methylcobalamin injection range

Vibcare Pharma markets methylcobalamin injections across four divisions, covering single-ingredient strengths of 1500 mcg and 2500 mcg and a 1000 mcg combination with niacinamide, pyridoxine HCl and D-panthenol. The same compositions are offered under different brand names in each division.

How our injectables are made

Injectables in the Vibcare range are made at partner WHO-GMP units, and the manufacturer is named on the pack. A certificate of analysis is available for any batch on request.

Methylcobalamin injection PCD franchise

Vibcare Pharma appoints one PCD franchise partner per district, with monopoly rights confirmed in writing in the franchise agreement. Vibcare Pharma, based in Panchkula, Haryana, was incorporated in 2014 and markets products across 11 divisions through franchise partners.

What you need to start

• A wholesale drug licence from the State Drug Control Department.
• GST registration.
• PAN and basic firm documents.

What partners get

• Written monopoly rights for your district.
• Trade rates (PTR/PTS) shown on each product page, so you can plan your margin before you order.
• Batch certificates of analysis on request.
• Methylcobalamin injections in two single-ingredient strengths (1500 mcg and 2500 mcg) and a 1000 mcg combination, from one supplier.

If your district is not yet taken, you can enquire for it directly through our franchise page.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

Related reading

• PCD pharma franchise with Vibcare
• Injectable PCD franchise
• Browse the Vibcare product range
• PTR and PTS calculator
• Drug Price Control Order (DPCO) explained
• Vibcare manufacturing and quality