Tetanus Antitoxin [Equine]

N/A

To provide temporary passive immunity in the prevention and treatment of tetanus.

N/A

Injection of the antitoxin to persons with a history of allergic reactions to equine protein and to allergic individuals is contraindicated.

This is a sterile clear, faintly yellow or brown liquid of tetanus antitoxin (equine) for human use. It is a preparation containing antitoxic globulins that have the power of specifically neutralizing the toxin formed by Clostridium tetani. It is obtained by fractionation from the serum of horses that have been hyperimmunized against tetanus toxin.

Hypersensitive reactions may occur after the injection of any serum of animal origin. In rare cases hypotension, dyspnoea, urticaria may occur. It should be treated with adrenalin, possibly in association with antihistamine and corticosteroid therapy. Serum sickness may occur 7 to 10 days after injection of serum of animal origin; symptoms include fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, bronchospasm and urticaria.

Not applicable.

Tetanus antitoxin (equine) must not be administered during pregnancy.

If there is no history of previous serum injection or allergic reaction, the dose of serum may be given intramuscularly. If the patient is subject to allergic diseases, a trial dose of 0,2 ml (diluted 1:10 if preferred) of the serum should be given subcutaneously; if no general reaction develops during an interval of 30 minutes, the main dose may be given intramuscularly. The patient must be kept under observation for at least 30 minutes after the injection and adrenaline kept in readiness for emergency use. In all urgent cases, the intravenous route is indicated, but should never be used unless a preliminary intramuscular injection, given at least 30 minutes beforehand, has been tolerated. For intravenous use, the serum should be at room temperature, the injection should be given very slowly, and the patient should be recumbent during the injection, and for at least an hour afterwards.