CYANOKIT contains hydroxocobalamin, an antidote indicated for the treatment of known or suspected cyanide poisoning. The active ingredient in CYANOKIT is hydroxocobalamin, the hydroxylated active form of vitamin B₁₂. Learn more about CYANOKIT.¹

CYANOKIT was FDA approved in the United States in 2006. CYANOKIT has been formally licensed in France since 1996 to treat known or suspected cyanide poisoning. Marketing authorization was granted throughout the European Union in 2007.^6,7,11

The initial dose of CYANOKIT for adults is 5 g. It is administered by IV infusion over 15 minutes. Depending upon the severity of the poisoning and the clinical response, a second dose of 5 g may be administered by IV infusion up to a total dose of 10 g. The rate of infusion for a potential second dose may range from 15 minutes (for patients in extremis) to 2 hours, as clinically indicated. Learn more about CYANOKIT preparation and administration.¹

CYANOKIT contains the active ingredient hydroxocobalamin, which detoxifies cyanide through the irreversible formation of cyanocobalamin (a form of vitamin B₁₂) that is excreted from the body. Learn more about the CYANOKIT mechanism of action.^1,6

CYANOKIT contains one colorless 250-mL glass vial, containing 5 g dark red lyophilized hydroxocobalamin, pH adjusted with hydrochloric acid, one transfer spike, one intravenous administration set, one quick-use reference guide, and one package insert. Diluent is not included.¹

Most common adverse reactions (>5%) included transient chromaturia, erythema, oxalate crystals in urine, rash, increased blood pressure, nausea, headache, and infusion site reactions.¹

Please see Important Safety Information below and full Prescribing Information for more detail.

Timely intervention for acute cyanide poisoning often requires that an antidote be given in the prehospital or hospital setting on the basis of a presumptive diagnosis. CYANOKIT is indicated for the treatment of known or suspected cyanide poisoning. If clinical suspicion of cyanide poisoning is high, CYANOKIT should be administered without delay.^1,12

Available data from cases reported in the published literature and postmarketing surveillance with CYANOKIT use in pregnant women are insufficient to identify a drug-associated risk for major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. There are risks to the pregnant woman and fetus associated with untreated cyanide poisoning.¹

The safety and effectiveness of CYANOKIT have not been established in this population.¹

Please see Important Safety Information below and full Prescribing Information for more detail.

Fire smoke—cyanide can be released by virtually any material containing carbon and nitrogen when burned under high temperature and low oxygen conditions. It is frequently found in the smoke of closed-space fires. Learn more about a toxin in closed-space fire smoke.¹³

Industrial exposure—cyanide is also widely used in many industries primarily as an intermediary in industrial processes. The frequent use of cyanide by industry increases the potential for accidental exposure.¹⁴

Terrorist attack—because cyanide is readily available and does not require special skills for effective deployment, it has the potential for use as a terrorist weapon.¹⁴

Cyanide is an extremely toxic poison. In the absence of rapid and adequate treatment, exposure to a high dose of cyanide can result in death within minutes due to the inhibition of cytochrome oxidase resulting in arrest of cellular respiration.¹

Cyanide poisoning may also cause central nervous system side effects, including intellectual impairment, parkinsonism, and personality changes.⁹

Currently there is no rapid test to confirm cyanide poisoning within the limited window necessary for initiating potential lifesaving treatment. Find out more about recognizing the signs and symptoms of cyanide poisoning.³