tetanus immune globulin (HyperTet, TIG, tetanus antitoxin)

Indications

passive immunity to tetanus

Contraindications

Caution:

• IV administration is contraindicated
• never administer TIG & tetanus toxoid in the same syringe; both will be neutralized

pregnancy-category C

safety in lactation ?

Dosage

• post-exposure prophylaxis: 250 U IM once generally with tetanus toxoid if never immunized
• treatment of tetanus: 3000-6000 U IM once

Injection: 250 units.

Pharmacokinetics

elimination: liver

Adverse effects

• common (> 10%)
  • pain, tenderness & erythema at site of injection*
• less common (1-10%)
  • fever (mild), urticaria, angioedema, muscle stiffness, anaphylaxis
• uncommon (< 1%)
  • sensitization to repeated injections

* local tenderness & soreness of muscles may persist up to 3 days

Mechanism of action

• contains tetanus antitoxin antibodies which neutralize exotoxin produced by Clostridium tetani

More general terms

• immune globulin
• antitoxin (passive immunizing agent, immune serum)

Additional terms

• tetanus