Methylcobalamin (Vitamin B12) 500 mcg: uses, price & cheaper substitutes
Common uses: Low vitamin B12 caused by diet, for example in vegetarians and vegans who eat little dairy; Keeping B12 levels up after deficiency has been treated, as your doctor advises.
Listed MRPs range from ₹1.41 to ₹14.40 per tablet across 7 listings.
Price comparison
| Brand | Manufacturer | Pack | MRP | ₹ / tablet | As on |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Methylcobalamin Tablet 500mcgJan Aushadhi | Jan Aushadhi (PMBJP) | 10 | ₹14.07 | ₹1.41 | 19 October 2026 |
| Mecofol | Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd | 10 | ₹74.06 | ₹7.41 | 19 October 2026 |
| NuROKIND Tablet | Mankind Pharma Ltd | 10 | ₹78.69 | ₹7.87 | 19 October 2026 |
| Nurobig 500 | Indinon Pharma | 10 | ₹92.81 | ₹9.28 | 19 October 2026 |
| Emneuro 500 | Emcure Pharmaceuticals Ltd | 10 | ₹112.50 | ₹11.25 | 19 October 2026 |
| MethycOBAL 500 | Wockhardt Ltd | 15 | ₹183.00 | ₹12.20 | 19 October 2026 |
| MeconERV | Micro Labs Ltd | 10 | ₹144.00 | ₹14.40 | 19 October 2026 |
MRPs as printed/listed on the date shown; actual price may vary.
Uses
- Low vitamin B12 caused by diet, for example in vegetarians and vegans who eat little dairy.
- Keeping B12 levels up after deficiency has been treated, as your doctor advises.
- Tiredness, pins and needles or a sore red tongue when a doctor links them to low B12.
How to take it
Take one tablet a day, or as your doctor advises, with water, with or without food. Swallow it whole unless the pack says to chew or dissolve it. Vitamin B12 deficiency caused by poor absorption (such as pernicious anaemia) usually needs injections first, so get a blood test if you have symptoms rather than relying on tablets alone. The NHS says 2 mg (2,000 mcg) or less a day of B12 from supplements is unlikely to cause harm. Some symptoms of long-standing deficiency, such as nerve damage, may not fully recover, so see a doctor early if you have numbness, memory problems or tiredness.
Side effects
Common
- Usually well tolerated.
- Mild nausea, diarrhoea or stomach upset.
- Headache.
Serious
Stop and get medical help urgently if you notice any of these.
- Allergic reaction – rash, itching, swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing.
- Numbness or tingling that keeps getting worse – needs a doctor's review, not just more supplements.
- Severe tiredness, breathlessness or a racing heart – may mean anaemia that needs tests.
Safety information
Alcohol
No direct interaction, but heavy drinking affects nutrition; keep alcohol low.
Pregnancy
Vitamin B12 is needed in pregnancy; take supplements as your doctor advises.
Kidney problems
Usually safe; tell your doctor if you have kidney disease.
Liver problems
Usually safe; tell your doctor if you have liver disease.
Children
Use a children's dose only if a doctor advises it.
Missed dose
Take the next dose at the usual time; do not double up.
Interactions
- Stomach acid medicines (PPIs such as pantoprazole, omeprazole) and epilepsy medicines – can lower B12 or folate over time; tell your doctor.
- Metformin – long-term use can lower vitamin B12; your doctor may check your level.
- Other B12, folic acid or B-complex products – check the total folic acid and vitamin B6.
Frequently asked questions
Methycobal 500 tablet uses
MethycOBAL 500 contains methylcobalamin, a form of vitamin B12. It is used for low B12 from diet and to maintain B12 levels, as your doctor advises.
Methylcobalamin 500 vs 1500 – which should I take?
500 mcg is a lower daily dose often used for maintenance; 1500 mcg is used when a doctor wants a higher dose. Your blood test and doctor decide.
Can I take methylcobalamin daily?
Yes, if advised. The NHS says 2 mg (2,000 mcg) or less a day of vitamin B12 from supplements is unlikely to cause harm.
Methylcobalamin before or after food?
Either is fine. Take it at the same time each day.
Who needs vitamin B12 tablets?
People with low dietary intake (such as vegans), older adults and people on long-term medicines like metformin or PPIs may need B12, after a doctor checks.
How long does B12 take to work?
Some people feel better within weeks, but nerve symptoms can take longer and long-standing damage may not fully recover. Follow up with your doctor.
Methylcobalamin side effects
It is usually well tolerated. Some people get mild nausea, diarrhoea or headache. Stop and get help for any allergic reaction.
Are B12 tablets enough for pernicious anaemia?
Usually not at first. B12 deficiency from poor absorption is normally treated with injections; your doctor will decide.
Sources
- NHS – B vitamins and folic acid (19 October 2026)
- NHS – Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anaemia (19 October 2026)
- MedlinePlus – Vitamin B12 (19 October 2026)
- NHS – Metformin: side effects (19 October 2026)
- NPPA Pharma Sahi Daam (ceiling prices) (19 October 2026)
- PMBI Jan Aushadhi Product & MRP List (19 October 2026)
Medyzen Editorial Team · Last updated
This page is general information, not medical advice. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without asking a doctor or pharmacist. Terms