Tetanus Immune Globulin (Human)
Pronunciation: TET-a-nus i-MUNE GLOB-ue-lin
Class: Immune Globulin
- Injection, solution 250 units/mL
Neutralizes toxin produced by Clostridium tetani , the cause of tetanus.
Peak blood levels are obtained in approximately 2 days.
Half-life is approximately 23 days.
Indications and Usage
Prophylaxis against tetanus following injury in patients whose immunization is incomplete or uncertain; in the regimen of active tetanus, however, evidence of effectiveness is limited.
None well documented.
Dosage and AdministrationTetanus Prophylaxis
Adults and Children 7 y and older
IM 250 units. Administer at the same time, but in a different extremity and with a separate syringe, Tetanus and Diphtheria Toxoids Adsorbed (For Adult Use) (Td).Children Younger Than 7 y
IM 4 units/kg; however, it may be advisable to administer the entire contents of the syringe (250 units) regardless of child's size. Administer at the same time, but in a different extremity and with a different syringe, diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and pertussis vaccine adsorbed (DTP) or diphtheria and tetanus toxoids adsorbed (for pediatric use) (DT), if pertussis vaccine is contraindicated.Tetanus Treatment
Adults and Children
IM Some studies recommend single doses of 3,000 to 6,000 units IM. The manufacturer states that standard therapy for the treatment of active tetanus, including the use of tetanus immune globulin, must be implemented immediately. Adjust the dosage according to the severity of infection.
- For IM administration only; not for IV administration.
- Administer IM, preferably in the deltoid muscle of the upper arm or lateral thigh muscle. The gluteal region should not be used routinely as an injection site.
- Adults with uncertain histories of a complete primary vaccination series should receive a primary series using the combined Td toxoid.
- To ensure continued protection, booster doses of Td should be given every 10 y.
Store between 36° and 46°F. Do not freeze.
Drug InteractionsLive virus vaccines (eg, measles, mumps, polio, rubella)
Antibodies in immunoglobulin preparations may interfere with the response to live viral vaccines. Defer use of such vaccines until approximately 3 mo after tetanus immune globulin (human) administration.
Slight soreness at the injection site.
Slight temperature elevation; isolated occurrences of angioneurotic edema, nephrotic syndrome, and anaphylactic shock after injection.
Category C . No risk to the fetus has been reported. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends the use of tetanus immune globulin in pregnancy for postexposure prophylaxis.
No data are available.
Use with caution in patients with a history of system allergic reactions following the administration of human immunoglobulin preparations.
Do not administer IV.
Use with caution in patients with severe thrombocytopenia or any coagulation disorder that would contraindicate IM injection.
Chemoprophylaxis against tetanus is neither practical nor useful in managing wounds.
Skin testing should not be performed because local irritation can occur and be misinterpreted as a positive reaction.
Transmission of infectious agents
Because tetanus immune globulin is made from human plasma, it may contain infectious agents, such as viruses, and theoretically, the Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease agent that can cause disease.
No data are available; however, pain and tenderness at the injection site would be expected.
- Inform patient that slight soreness at injection site or slight temperature elevations may occur after administration of this medication.
- Advise patients to complete the tetanus toxoid immunization series as required.
Copyright © 2009 Wolters Kluwer Health.
More about tetanus immune globulin
- Other brands: HyperTET S/D