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Tetanus Antitoxin
Pronunciation
Generic Available
Synonyms
Pharmacological Index
Use
Pregnancy Risk Factor
Contraindications
Warnings/Precautions
Adverse Reactions
Stability
Mechanism of Action
Usual Dosage
Nursing Implications
Dosage Forms

Pronunciation
(TET a nus an tee TOKS in)

Generic Available

No


Synonyms
TAT

Pharmacological Index

Antitoxin


Use

Tetanus prophylaxis or treatment of active tetanus only when tetanus immune globulin (TIG) is not available; tetanus immune globulin (Hyper-Tet®) is the preferred tetanus immunoglobulin for the treatment of active tetanus; may be given concomitantly with tetanus toxoid adsorbed when immediate treatment is required, but active immunization is desirable


Pregnancy Risk Factor

D


Contraindications

Patients sensitive to equine-derived preparations


Warnings/Precautions

Tetanus antitoxin is not the same as tetanus immune globulin; sensitivity testing should be conducted in all individuals regardless of clinical history; have epinephrine 1:1000 available


Adverse Reactions

greater than or equal to 10%: Skin eruptions, erythema, urticaria, local pain, numbness, arthralgia, serum sickness may develop up to several weeks after injection, anaphylaxis


Stability

Refrigerate, do not freeze


Mechanism of Action

Provides passive immunization; solution of concentrated globulins containing antitoxic antibodies obtained from horse serum after immunization against tetanus toxin


Usual Dosage

Prophylaxis: I.M., S.C.:

Children <30 kg: 1500 units

Children and Adults greater than or equal to 30 kg: 3000-5000 units

Treatment: Children and Adults: Inject 10,000-40,000 units into wound; administer 40,000-100,000 units


Nursing Implications

All patients should have sensitivity testing prior to starting therapy with tetanus antitoxin


Dosage Forms

Injection, equine: Not less than 400 units/mL (12.5 mL, 50 mL)


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