Tetanus Immunoglobulin (IM)

Tetanus Immunoglobulin (IM)

Presentation

Single vials containing 250 IU human tetanus antitoxin.

Indications for Use

  • Passive protection of individuals who have sustained a tetanus-prone wound and who have either not been actively immunised against tetanus or whose immunisation history is doubtful.
  • Passive protection of fully immunised individuals with a tetanus prone wound if more than 10 years have elapsed since the last dose of toxoid or vaccine. In the above instances, active immunisation with tetanus vaccine should be commenced simultaneously. Types of wounds likely to favour the growth of tetanus organisms are compound fractures, deep penetrating wounds, wounds containing foreign bodies (especially wood splinters), wounds complicated by pyogenic infections, wounds with extensive tissue damage, any superficial wound contaminated with soil, dust or horse manure, especially if topical disinfection is delayed more than 4 hours.

Contraindications

Individuals with:

  • IgA deficiency – unless they have no circulating anti IgA antibodies.
  • Severe thrombycytopenia or coagulation disorder that would contraindicate IM injections.

Precautions

Administer by intramuscular injection. MUST NOT be administered intravenously.
Care should be taken to draw back plunger of syringe before injection to be certain needle is not in a vessel.

Give with caution to patients with a history of prior systemic allergic reactions to human immunoglobulin preparations.

Availability

Requests to ARCBS.

Dosage and Administration

Tetanus Immunoglobulin for adults and children is given by slow intramuscular injection.

Bring to room temperature prior to administration.

Dosage – minimum routine prophylactic dose is 250IU for adults and children.
The dose should be doubled if the wound is grossly contaminated or if more than 24 hours have elapsed between wounding and seeking of medical attention.
The product s does not contain antimicrobial preservative; it must be used immediately after opening the vial.

Refer to the current product information sheet for further information.