According to the FDA (2024), Cobalt dichloride is a standardized allergen used in the T.R.U.E. TEST for diagnosing contact dermatitis.
The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies Cobalt as an essential trace element required solely as a constituent of Vitamin B12 (2023).
A study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery (2022) found that systemic cobalt levels above 7 µg/L in patients with metal hip implants are associated with an increased risk of local tissue damage.
The American College of Medical Toxicology (2021) states that cobalt-induced cardiomyopathy is a rare but potentially fatal complication of chronic high-level metal exposure.
Data from the NIH (2024) indicates that approximately 1-3% of the general population is sensitized to cobalt, often co-occurring with nickel allergy.
According to the CDC (2023), the primary route of non-medical cobalt exposure is through food and drinking water, with average daily intakes of 5-40 mcg.
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) notes that cobalt salts were historically used to treat anemia but are no longer recommended due to their narrow safety margin (2022).
Research in 'Thyroid' (2020) demonstrated that cobalt can inhibit iodine organification, potentially leading to goiter in susceptible individuals.
This page is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Before using any prescription or over-the-counter medication for Cobaltum Metallicum, you must consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Cobalt is a trace element and standardized chemical allergen used primarily in diagnostic patch testing and as a vital component of Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin). It plays a critical role in erythropoiesis and cellular metabolism.
💊Usage & Dosage
Adult Dosage
Diagnostic Patch Testing
For the diagnosis of allergic contact dermatitis, cobalt dichloride is typically applied as part of a standardized patch test panel.
Standard Dose: The patch contains approximately 0.02 mg/cm² of cobalt dichloride anhydrous.
Application: The patch is applied to healthy skin (usually the upper back) and remains in place for 48 hours.
Reading: The site is evaluated by a healthcare provider at 48 hours and again at 72 or 96 hours to check for delayed reactions.
Nutritional Supplementation (as Vitamin B12)
Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA): For most adults, the RDA for Vitamin B12 is 2.4 mcg daily. This provides the necessary trace amount of cobalt required for biological function.
Therapeutic Dosing: In cases of documented deficiency, doses may range from 100 mcg to 1,000 mcg daily (oral) or monthly (injection), as directed by a healthcare provider.
Pediatric Dosage
Diagnostic Patch Testing
Approval: Patch testing with cobalt is generally approved for use in children (typically aged 6 and older) who present with symptoms of contact dermatitis.
Dosing: The standardized adult patch is typically used, but the interpretation must be performed by a specialist experienced in pediatric dermatology.
Nutritional Supplementation
RDA: Varies by age, ranging from 0.4 mcg in infants to 2.4 mcg in adolescents.
Dosage Adjustments
Renal Impairment
Because the kidneys are the primary route of cobalt excretion, patients with significant renal impairment are at a much higher risk for cobalt accumulation and toxicity. Systemic cobalt should be used with extreme caution in this population. For diagnostic patch testing, no adjustment is usually necessary as systemic absorption is negligible.
Hepatic Impairment
No specific dosage adjustments are typically required for hepatic impairment when using cobalt for diagnostic purposes. However, since the liver is a primary storage site for cobalt (as B12), severe liver disease may affect the body's cobalt dynamics.
Elderly Patients
Elderly patients often have a higher prevalence of renal insufficiency. Healthcare providers should consider this when evaluating systemic cobalt levels or prescribing high-dose B12 supplements. In patch testing, skin reactivity may be slightly diminished in very elderly patients, requiring careful interpretation of results.
How to Take Cobalt
Diagnostic Use
Preparation: The skin must be clean and dry. Avoid applying creams or ointments to the test area before the patch is applied.
Activity: While the patch is on, you must avoid heavy sweating, swimming, or showering, as moisture can cause the patch to peel off or the allergen to wash away.
Removal: The patch is removed by a healthcare provider after 48 hours. Do not attempt to remove or reapply the patch yourself.
Supplement Use
Food: Vitamin B12 (containing cobalt) can be taken with or without food. However, absorption is often improved when taken with a meal.
Form: Sublingual tablets (dissolved under the tongue) may be preferred for individuals with absorption issues.
Missed Dose
If you miss an appointment for a patch test reading, contact your healthcare provider immediately. The timing of the reading is critical for an accurate diagnosis. If you miss a dose of a Vitamin B12 supplement, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Overdose
Cobalt overdose (cobaltism) is a serious medical condition that typically occurs from chronic exposure rather than a single acute dose.
Signs of Overdose: Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, visual disturbances (optic atrophy), hearing loss, and symptoms of heart failure (shortness of breath, swelling in the legs).
Emergency Measures: If systemic cobalt poisoning is suspected, seek emergency medical attention immediately. Treatment may involve gastric lavage (if acute), supportive care for the heart and lungs, and the use of chelating agents (such as EDTA or dimercaprol) to help the body excrete the metal.
> Important: Follow your healthcare provider's dosing instructions exactly. Do not adjust your dose or attempt to self-diagnose metal sensitivities without medical guidance.
⚠️Side Effects
Common Side Effects (>1 in 10)
When used for diagnostic patch testing, the most common side effects are localized to the site of application. These include:
Localized Redness (Erythema): The area under the patch may appear red or pink. This is a normal part of a positive test result but can be itchy.
Pruritus (Itching): Significant itching at the test site is common in sensitized individuals.
Pigmentation Changes: After the patch is removed, a temporary brown or dark spot may remain at the site for several weeks.
Less Common Side Effects (1 in 100 to 1 in 10)
Skin Irritation
🔴Warnings
Important Safety Information
Cobalt is a potent sensitizer and a reactive metal. While essential for life in the form of Vitamin B12, inorganic cobalt salts carry significant risks if handled or ingested improperly. Patients undergoing diagnostic testing must be monitored for delayed hypersensitivity, and those with metal implants should be aware of the signs of systemic metal toxicity.
Black Box Warnings
There are currently no FDA black box warnings for Cobalt in its diagnostic or nutritional forms.
Major Precautions
Allergic Reactions / Anaphylaxis Risk: While patch testing is designed to elicit a controlled allergic response, there is a very small risk of a systemic reaction. Patients with a history of severe metal allergies should inform their provider before testing.
Cardiotoxicity
🔄Interactions
Contraindicated Combinations (Do Not Use Together)
There are no absolute drug-drug contraindications for the topical use of cobalt in patch testing. However, for systemic cobalt:
Cobalt and Certain Chelating Agents: While agents like EDTA are used to treat cobalt toxicity, using cobalt supplements alongside chelating therapy is counterproductive and may lead to unpredictable metal redistribution in the body.
Serious Interactions (Monitor Closely)
Iron Supplements: Cobalt and iron compete for the same transport mechanism (DMT1) in the gut. High doses of iron can inhibit the absorption of cobalt (as B12), while iron deficiency can lead to dangerously high absorption of inorganic cobalt.
Radioactive Iodine: Cobalt can interfere with the uptake of iodine by the thyroid gland. If you are undergoing thyroid scanning or treatment with radioactive iodine, inform your doctor about any cobalt-containing supplements.
🚫Contraindications
Absolute Contraindications
Cobalt must NEVER be used in the following circumstances:
Known Severe Hypersensitivity: If a patient has previously experienced anaphylaxis or severe systemic contact dermatitis (systemic reactivated dermatitis) upon exposure to cobalt, they should not undergo patch testing with this allergen.
Pre-existing Cobalt-Induced Cardiomyopathy: Patients who have already suffered heart damage due to cobalt must avoid all non-essential systemic exposure, as further exposure can be fatal.
Active Severe Dermatitis: Patch testing should not be performed when a patient has an active, widespread skin rash (the 'angry back' phenomenon), as this will lead to uninterpretable and potentially painful results.
FDA Pregnancy Category: Not Formally Assigned (Topical).
Diagnostic Use: Standardized patch testing with cobalt dichloride is generally considered safe during pregnancy because systemic absorption through the skin is negligible. However, most guidelines recommend delaying elective testing until the second or third trimester, or after delivery, to minimize any stress to the mother.
Nutritional Use: Cobalt (as Vitamin B12) is essential during pregnancy for fetal brain development and DNA synthesis. The RDA increases to 2.6 mcg daily. Deficiency during pregnancy can lead to neural tube defects and developmental delays.
Teratogenicity: There is no evidence that topical cobalt is teratogenic. However, extremely high systemic levels of inorganic cobalt in animal studies have shown potential for fetal harm.
🧬Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Cobalt acts through several distinct pathways:
1Immunological (Allergen): Cobalt ions (Co2+) act as haptens, binding to skin proteins to form an antigenic complex that triggers a Type IV hypersensitivity reaction mediated by T-cells.
2HIF-1 Stabilization: Cobalt inhibits prolyl hydroxylase enzymes. These enzymes normally require oxygen to tag Hypoxia-Inducible Factor (HIF) for destruction. By inhibiting them, cobalt allows HIF to accumulate, which travels to the nucleus and activates the EPO gene, stimulating red blood cell production.
3Enzymatic Cofactor: In the form of cobalamin, cobalt is essential for the function of methionine synthase and methylmalonyl-CoA mutase, which are vital for myelin synthesis and energy metabolism.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Cobaltum Metallicum
What is Cobalt used for?
Cobalt is primarily used in medicine as a diagnostic tool to identify skin allergies through patch testing. It is also an essential trace element found at the center of Vitamin B12, which is necessary for making red blood cells and maintaining a healthy nervous system. Historically, it was used to treat anemia because it stimulates the body to produce more erythropoietin. Today, it is also monitored in patients with certain types of hip replacements to ensure metal levels do not become toxic. It is never used as a primary treatment for conditions other than B12 deficiency.
What are the most common side effects of Cobalt?
The most common side effects occur during skin patch testing and include redness, intense itching, and small bumps at the site of application. These reactions are usually delayed, appearing 2 to 4 days after the test begins. If cobalt is present at toxic levels systemically, side effects can include nausea, thyroid problems, and a ruddy complexion due to excess red blood cells. In rare cases of chronic exposure, it can cause heart muscle weakness known as cardiomyopathy. Always report persistent skin irritation or unusual shortness of breath to your doctor.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Cobalt?
You should exercise caution with alcohol if you have high systemic cobalt levels or are taking cobalt-containing supplements. Historically, the combination of alcohol and cobalt led to severe heart failure in beer drinkers when cobalt was used as a foam stabilizer. Alcohol can worsen the toxic effects of cobalt on the heart and liver. While a small amount of alcohol is unlikely to interact with a one-time skin patch test, chronic drinkers are at a significantly higher risk for cobalt-related cardiotoxicity. Consult your healthcare provider about your alcohol consumption.
Is Cobalt safe during pregnancy?
Cobalt in the form of Vitamin B12 is not only safe but essential during pregnancy for the development of the baby's brain and spinal cord. Most prenatal vitamins contain cobalt as part of the B12 complex. Regarding diagnostic patch testing, it is generally considered safe because very little cobalt enters the bloodstream through the skin. However, many doctors recommend waiting until after pregnancy to perform elective allergy testing. If you have a metal implant and are pregnant, your doctor may want to monitor your blood cobalt levels more closely.
How long does it take for Cobalt to work?
The 'onset' of cobalt depends on its use. For allergy testing, it takes 48 to 96 hours for a reaction to develop, which is why the patches must stay on for two days. If you are taking cobalt as Vitamin B12 for an energy boost or to treat anemia, it may take several weeks of consistent use to notice an improvement in symptoms. In the case of acute cobalt poisoning, toxic effects can begin within hours, but chronic toxicity (cobaltism) usually develops over months or years of exposure. Always follow the timeline provided by your healthcare professional.
Can I stop taking Cobalt suddenly?
If you are using cobalt as part of a Vitamin B12 supplement, stopping suddenly is generally safe and will not cause immediate withdrawal symptoms. However, if you have pernicious anemia or a severe deficiency, your B12 levels will slowly drop over several months, eventually leading to fatigue and nerve damage. For diagnostic patch testing, the process is finished once the doctor removes the patch and records the result. If you have a metal implant and are concerned about cobalt, you should never make decisions about 'stopping' or removing the implant without a thorough surgical consultation.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Cobalt?
If you miss a dose of a Vitamin B12 supplement, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is nearly time for your next dose. For diagnostic patch testing, missing your follow-up appointment is more serious, as the doctor needs to see the skin at specific intervals (usually 48 and 72-96 hours) to make an accurate diagnosis. If you miss your reading appointment, the test may need to be repeated at a later date. Do not apply extra patches or take double doses of supplements to make up for a missed dose.
Does Cobalt cause weight gain?
Cobalt itself does not directly cause weight gain. However, if cobalt interferes with your thyroid function (a potential side effect of high systemic levels), it could lead to an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), which is associated with weight gain and a slower metabolism. Additionally, if you are taking Vitamin B12 to correct a severe deficiency, your appetite may improve as your health returns, which could lead to modest weight changes. If you notice rapid or unexplained weight gain while taking cobalt supplements, you should discuss this with your healthcare provider.
Can Cobalt be taken with other medications?
Cobalt can interact with several medications, particularly those that affect stomach acid or the absorption of metals. Medications like omeprazole (PPIs), metformin, and high doses of Vitamin C can reduce the absorption of cobalt when it is taken as Vitamin B12. Furthermore, iron and zinc supplements can compete with cobalt for absorption in the gut. While topical cobalt patches for allergy testing rarely interact with internal medications, you should always provide your doctor with a full list of your current medicines and supplements before starting any new treatment.
Is Cobalt available as a generic?
Cobalt is a basic chemical element and is available in many generic forms. For diagnostic testing, cobalt dichloride is the standard generic compound used in various patch test kits. As a nutritional supplement, it is almost always found as generic Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin). There is no 'brand name' for elemental cobalt itself, though specific diagnostic tests like the T.R.U.E. TEST are branded products that contain generic cobalt. Generic versions of Vitamin B12 are considered just as effective as brand-name versions for maintaining healthy cobalt levels in the body.
: Non-allergic irritation (irritant contact dermatitis) can occur, characterized by a burning sensation or a 'glazed' appearance of the skin.
Folliculitis: Small, red bumps or pustules may develop around the hair follicles in the area where the patch was applied.
Tape Reaction: Some patients may react to the adhesive tape used to secure the cobalt patch rather than the cobalt itself.
Rare Side Effects (less than 1 in 100)
'Angry Back' Syndrome: Also known as Excited Skin Syndrome, this occurs when one strong positive reaction triggers other nearby test sites to become reactive, potentially leading to false-positive results.
Systemic Flare-up: In highly sensitive individuals, a topical patch test can occasionally cause a flare-up of dermatitis in other parts of the body.
Scarring: While extremely rare with standardized testing, severe blistering at the patch site could lead to permanent scarring or skin color changes.
Serious Side Effects — Seek Immediate Medical Attention
> Warning: Stop using any cobalt-containing products and call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms, which may indicate systemic toxicity or a severe allergic reaction.
Anaphylaxis: Although nearly unheard of with patch testing, signs include difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, hives, and rapid heart rate.
Cardiomyopathy: Symptoms include unusual shortness of breath, inability to lie flat, swelling in the ankles or feet, and extreme fatigue. This is a known risk of chronic systemic cobalt exposure.
Thyroid Dysfunction: Cobalt can interfere with iodine uptake, leading to goiter (enlarged thyroid) or hypothyroidism (low thyroid function). Symptoms include weight gain, cold intolerance, and dry skin.
Neurological Changes: Tinnitus (ringing in the ears), progressive hearing loss, or blurred vision (optic neuropathy).
Polycythemia: An abnormal increase in red blood cells, which can increase the risk of blood clots. Symptoms include headache, dizziness, and a ruddy complexion.
Long-Term Side Effects
Prolonged exposure to high levels of cobalt, often through industrial inhalation or wear from certain metal-on-metal hip implants, can lead to a syndrome known as Cobaltism. Long-term effects include:
Neurological Decline: Cognitive impairment, tremors, and loss of coordination.
Endocrine Disruption: Chronic suppression of thyroid hormone production.
Heart Failure: Permanent damage to the heart muscle (cobalt-induced cardiomyopathy).
Black Box Warnings
No FDA black box warnings currently exist for Cobalt as a standardized chemical allergen or for Vitamin B12 supplements. However, the FDA has issued safety communications regarding the risks of metal-on-metal hip implants, which can lead to high systemic cobalt levels and associated multi-organ toxicities.
Report any unusual symptoms or persistent skin reactions to your healthcare provider. If you suspect you have been exposed to toxic levels of cobalt through an implant or industrial environment, blood and urine testing for cobalt levels is essential.
: Cobalt is a known toxin to the myocardium (heart muscle). It can interfere with mitochondrial activity in heart cells. This risk is primarily associated with chronic high-level exposure (e.g., historical 'beer-drinker’s cardiomyopathy' or failing metal implants).
Thyroid Suppression: Cobalt can inhibit the enzyme thyroid peroxidase, which is necessary for the production of thyroid hormones. Patients with pre-existing hypothyroidism should be monitored closely if systemic cobalt exposure is suspected.
Nephrotoxicity: High levels of cobalt can cause damage to the renal tubules. Because cobalt is cleared by the kidneys, pre-existing kidney disease creates a dangerous feedback loop where cobalt accumulates, further damaging the kidneys.
Hematologic Effects: Because cobalt stimulates erythropoietin, it can lead to polycythemia (excessive red blood cells). This increases blood viscosity and the risk of stroke or myocardial infarction (heart attack).
Monitoring Requirements
If you are being treated for cobalt toxicity or have a metal-on-metal hip implant, your doctor may require the following tests:
Serum Cobalt Levels: To measure the concentration of cobalt in the blood (normal levels are typically <1.0 µg/L; toxic levels often exceed 7.0 µg/L).
Complete Blood Count (CBC): To check for polycythemia (high red blood cell count).
Thyroid Function Tests (TSH, T4): To ensure the thyroid is functioning correctly.
Echocardiogram: To monitor for signs of cardiomyopathy if systemic levels are elevated.
Urinalysis: To monitor kidney function and cobalt excretion.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Cobalt itself does not typically affect the ability to drive or operate machinery. However, if you are experiencing symptoms of cobalt toxicity, such as visual disturbances, dizziness, or hearing loss, you should refrain from these activities and consult your doctor.
Alcohol Use
Historically, cobalt was added to beer as a foam stabilizer, which led to outbreaks of severe cardiomyopathy in heavy drinkers. Alcohol can exacerbate the cardiotoxic effects of cobalt. It is advisable to limit alcohol consumption if you have concerns about cobalt levels or are undergoing treatment for metal toxicity.
Discontinuation
For diagnostic patch testing, there is no 'discontinuation' process other than removing the patch. For Vitamin B12 supplements, stopping suddenly is generally safe but may lead to a return of deficiency symptoms (fatigue, numbness) over several months. If you have a metal implant releasing cobalt, 'discontinuation' involves surgical revision of the implant.
> Important: Discuss all your medical conditions, especially heart, kidney, or thyroid problems, with your healthcare provider before starting any treatment involving Cobalt.
Moderate Interactions
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid): High doses of Vitamin C taken simultaneously with oral B12 (cobalt) can destroy the vitamin in the gastrointestinal tract. It is recommended to take Vitamin C at least 2 hours apart from B12 supplements.
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): Drugs like omeprazole or pantoprazole reduce stomach acid, which is necessary to release cobalt (as B12) from food proteins. Long-term PPI use can lead to cobalt/B12 deficiency.
Metformin: This diabetes medication is known to interfere with the absorption of Vitamin B12, potentially leading to lower systemic cobalt levels over time.
Food Interactions
Dairy and Calcium: High calcium intake may slightly interfere with the absorption of various trace metals, including cobalt, though this is usually not clinically significant for those with a balanced diet.
Alcohol: As noted previously, alcohol significantly increases the risk of cobalt-induced heart damage. Chronic alcoholics are much more susceptible to the toxic effects of even low levels of cobalt.
Herbal/Supplement Interactions
St. John’s Wort: May theoretically affect the absorption of various nutrients, though specific data on cobalt is limited.
Zinc Supplements: Like iron, high doses of zinc can compete with other divalent metals for absorption, potentially lowering cobalt levels.
Lab Test Interactions
Vitamin B12 Assays: Taking cobalt-containing supplements will obviously increase B12 levels in the blood, which may mask certain types of anemia if the clinician is not aware of the supplementation.
Thyroid Scans: As mentioned, cobalt may interfere with the results of tests involving iodine uptake.
For each major interaction, the mechanism usually involves competitive absorption (as with iron/zinc) or pharmacodynamic antagonism (as with thyroid function). The clinical consequence is typically either reduced efficacy of the cobalt-containing vitamin or an increased risk of systemic toxicity if absorption is upregulated by iron deficiency.
> Important: Tell your doctor about ALL medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking, especially if you are scheduled for allergy testing or have a history of metal sensitivity.
Severe Renal Failure: Because cobalt is excreted by the kidneys, patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) are at high risk for systemic accumulation. If patch testing is necessary, the smallest possible area should be used, and systemic levels should not be introduced.
Pregnancy: While topical patch testing is generally considered low-risk, many clinicians prefer to delay elective diagnostic testing until after delivery to avoid any theoretical risk to the fetus.
Children under 6: The safety and efficacy of cobalt patch testing in very young children have not been extensively studied, and their skin may be more prone to irritant reactions.
Cross-Sensitivity
Patients who are allergic to cobalt frequently show cross-sensitivity to other metals. This is not always a true 'cross-reaction' in the molecular sense, but rather a co-sensitivity because these metals are often found together in nature and manufacturing:
Nickel: The most common co-sensitivity. Most cobalt-allergic patients are also allergic to nickel.
Chromium: Often found with cobalt in cement and leather tanning agents.
Copper: May be present in dental alloys alongside cobalt.
> Important: Your healthcare provider will evaluate your complete medical history, including any previous reactions to jewelry, watches, or dental work, before prescribing Cobalt testing.
Breastfeeding
Cobalt is naturally present in breast milk as a component of Vitamin B12.
Safety: Topical patch testing is compatible with breastfeeding. There is no evidence that the small amount of cobalt used in a skin test affects the nursing infant.
Supplementation: Breastfeeding mothers should ensure adequate B12 intake (2.8 mcg daily) to provide sufficient cobalt for the infant’s growth.
Pediatric Use
Approved Use: Cobalt patch testing is used in children to investigate suspected allergic contact dermatitis (e.g., from school supplies, toys, or jewelry).
Considerations: Children have thinner skin and may be more prone to irritant reactions. Healthcare providers typically use the same concentration as adults but may apply fewer patches overall to minimize discomfort.
Geriatric Use
Renal Clearance: The natural decline in kidney function (GFR) that occurs with age means that elderly patients may clear systemic cobalt more slowly. This is particularly relevant for those with metal implants.
Skin Reactivity: Older adults may have a diminished immune response, which can lead to 'false negative' patch test results. A longer observation period (up to 7 days) may be necessary.
Renal Impairment
Risk of Accumulation: Patients with a GFR < 30 mL/min are at significant risk for cobalt accumulation. Systemic cobalt levels should be monitored if exposure is unavoidable.
Dialysis: Cobalt is not efficiently removed by standard hemodialysis. Patients on dialysis who have cobalt-containing implants require close monitoring by a multidisciplinary team.
Hepatic Impairment
Storage: Since the liver stores Vitamin B12 (and thus cobalt), severe cirrhosis may affect the body's ability to manage these stores. However, no specific dose adjustments are required for topical diagnostic use.
> Important: Special populations require individualized medical assessment. Always inform your specialist if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have underlying kidney issues.
Pharmacodynamics
Dose-Response: In patch testing, the reaction is dose-dependent; higher concentrations elicit stronger inflammatory responses in sensitized individuals.
Time to Onset: Delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions typically take 48 to 72 hours to manifest.
Duration of Effect: A positive patch test reaction may persist for 1 to 2 weeks after the allergen is removed.
| Protein Binding | 90-95% (Primarily to Albumin) |
| Half-life | 2-5 days (Initial); 60+ days (Terminal) |
| Tmax | 1-2 hours (Oral) |
| Metabolism | None (Inorganic element) |
| Excretion | Renal (80%), Fecal (15%) |
Chemical Information
Molecular Formula: Co (Elemental); CoCl2 (Cobalt Dichloride)
Molecular Weight: 58.933 g/mol (Elemental)
Solubility: Cobalt salts like cobalt chloride are highly soluble in water.
Structure: A transition metal that can exist in multiple oxidation states, most commonly Co2+ and Co3+ in biological systems.
Drug Class
Cobalt is classified as a Standardized Chemical Allergen [EPC]. It is related to other metallic allergens such as Nickel Sulfate and Potassium Dichromate. In its nutritional form, it is a Micronutrient and Hematopoietic Agent.