Butaphosphan with Cyanocobalamin
1-(n-Butylamino)-1-methylethyl phosphonous acid with cyanocobalamin
Also known as: Catosal · Vitamin B12 and phosphorus · Injectable organic phosphorus
Reviewed by the VetSheet Veterinary TeamUpdated Apr 5, 2026Evidence-based veterinary reference
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Dosing by species
🌎 NA — North America🌍 EU — Europe
Birds
| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prevention or treatment of phosphorus and Vitamin B12 deficiencies (Poultry/Turkeys) | 1-3 mL per liter of drinking water | PO | repeat daily as needed | — | 🌎 NA |
Horses
| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prevention or treatment of phosphorus and Vitamin B12 deficiencies | 1-2 mL per 100 lbs body weight | SC, IM, or IV | repeat daily as needed | — | 🌎 NA |
- Prevention or treatment of phosphorus and Vitamin B12 deficiencies: Volumes of more than 10 mL should be split and given at separate intramuscular or subcutaneous sites.
Cattle
| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prevention or treatment of phosphorus and Vitamin B12 deficiencies (Adults) | 1-2 mL per 100 lbs body weight | SC, IM, or IV | repeat daily as needed | — | 🌎 NA |
| Prevention or treatment of phosphorus and Vitamin B12 deficiencies (Calves) | 2-4 mL per 100 lbs body weight | SC, IM, or IV | repeat daily as needed | — | 🌎 NA |
- Prevention or treatment of phosphorus and Vitamin B12 deficiencies (Adults): Volumes of more than 10 mL should be split and given at separate intramuscular or subcutaneous sites.
Swine
| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prevention or treatment of phosphorus and Vitamin B12 deficiencies (Adults) | 2 - 5 mL per 100 lbs body weight | SC, IM, or IV | repeat daily as needed | — | 🌎 NA |
| Prevention or treatment of phosphorus and Vitamin B12 deficiencies (Piglets) | 1-2.5 mL (total dose) per animal | SC, IM, or IV | repeat daily as needed | — | 🌎 NA |
- Prevention or treatment of phosphorus and Vitamin B12 deficiencies (Adults): Volumes of more than 10 mL should be split and given at separate intramuscular or subcutaneous sites.
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Overview
Butaphosphan with Cyanocobalamin is a combination nutritional supplement primarily used in large animal and production medicine. It provides a parenteral source of organic phosphorus and Vitamin B12.
- Butaphosphan: An organic phosphorus compound that supports energy metabolism and assimilation of nutrients.
- Cyanocobalamin: A synthetic form of Vitamin B12 essential for cellular metabolism, DNA synthesis, and red blood cell production.
Clinical Pearl: In dairy cattle, this combination is frequently utilized to manage metabolic demands during the periparturient period. Studies show it can increase post-partum glucose availability, decrease peripheral fat mobilization, and significantly lower the rate of hyperketonemia (subclinical ketosis) in mature cows.
Mechanism of action
- Butaphosphan → Acts as a readily available source of phosphorus, a critical structural component of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), nucleic acids, and cell membranes. It supports gluconeogenesis and overall energy utilization.
- Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12) → Acts as a vital coenzyme for methylmalonyl-CoA mutase (crucial for the metabolism of propionate into glucose in ruminants) and methionine synthase.
- Synergistic Effect → Together, they enhance energy metabolism, improve post-partum glucose availability, and decrease ketone body formation by optimizing the TCA cycle and reducing peripheral fat mobilization.
Safety & warnings
Contraindications
- Hyperphosphatemia
Adverse effects
- None noted in the monograph
Precautions
Use with caution in patients with chronic renal failure. Use standard aseptic procedures during administration of injections. Volumes of more than 10 mL should be split and given at separate intramuscular or subcutaneous sites.
Monitoring
- Serum phosphorus levels
- Resolution of clinical signs of deficiency
- Serum beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) / ketone bodies in periparturient dairy cattle
Overdose
No specific information located regarding acute toxicity or overdosage.
Available products
Formulations
- Injectable solution
- Drinking water additive (for poultry)
Veterinary
- Butaphosphan 100 mg/mL and Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B-12) 0.05 mg/mL in 100 mL & 250 mL multidose vials (Catosal®)
Regulatory status
No regulatory data for: 🇺🇸 US · 🇪🇺 EU · 🇬🇧 UK · 🇭🇰 HK · 🇹🇼 TW · 🇯🇵 JP · 🇰🇷 KR · 🇦🇺 AU
Storage & stability
The injectable product should be stored at temperatures below 30°C (86°F); avoiding freezing.
Client information
This medication is a combination vitamin and mineral supplement used to boost energy metabolism and correct nutritional deficiencies.
- Administration: It is usually given by injection by your veterinarian, or it may be added to drinking water for poultry.
- Safety: This supplement is generally very safe with no commonly reported side effects when used as directed.
- Storage: Keep the product at room temperature (below 86°F / 30°C) and do not allow it to freeze.
VetSheet drug reference is intended for licensed veterinary professionals as a clinical decision-support aid, not a substitute for professional judgement or the manufacturer’s current label.