HTIG provides passive immunization against tetanus for 3 to 4 weeks.
Indications
Prevention of tetanus in wound management, in patients non immunised or incompletely immunised or in patients whose immunisation status is unknown,in combination with tetanus vaccine
Treatment of clinical tetanus
Forms and strengths, route of administration
Solution for injection, in 250 IU (250 IU/ml, 1 ml) or 500 IU (250 IU/ml, 2 ml) ampoule or single-dose syringe, for IM injection.
DO NOT ADMINISTER BY IV ROUTE.
Dosage and duration
Prevention of tetanus
HTIG is administered in the event of tetanus-prone wounds, e.g. wounds with fracture, deep penetrating wounds, bite wounds, wounds containing foreign bodies, wounds contaminated with soil, infected wounds, extensive tissue damage (contusions, burns). Child and adult: 250 IU single dose; 500 IU if more than 24 hours has elapsed
HTIG should be administered as soon as possible after injury, along with the tetanus vaccine, in a separate syringe and injection site.
Treatment of tetanus
Neonate, child and adult: 500 IU single dose, to be injected into 2 different sites
Contra-indications, adverse effects, precautions
Do not administer to patients with known allergy to HTIG. May cause (very rarely): allergic reactions.
Ensure that the HTIG does not enter a blood vessel (risk of shock): aspirate prior to injection to confirm that the needle is not in a vein.
Pregnancy: no contra-indication
Breast-feeding: no contra-indication
Remarks
For minor clean wounds, tetanus vaccine is administered alone. SC route may be used but only if IM route is contra-indicated.