Indications

Postexposure prophylaxis of rabies.

Contraindication

Do not give repeated doses of rabies immunoglobulin once rabies vaccine is given as this may reduce the immunologic response to the vaccine.

Special Precautions

Hypersensitivity to human immune globulin preparations, increased risk of hypersensitivity with specific immunoglobulin A deficiency; epinephrine should be available for management of possible anaphylactic reactions. Thrombocytopenia or bleeding disorders. If IM inj is contra-indicated, inj may be given by SC with pressure and compress applied to site after inj. Do not exceed recommended doses as this may reduce the immune response to rabies vaccine. Patients preciously immunised with rabies vaccine and have adequate rabies antibody titer should receive rabies vaccine without the rabies immunoglobulin. Avoid IV admin, and IM inj into central region of gluteal area. Admin rabies immunoglobulin and vaccine in separate syringes and to different sites with different lymphatic drainage. Pregnancy and lactation.

Side Effects

Soreness at inj site, fever, chest or joint pain, dyspnoea, tremor, dizziness, oedema of the face, glossitis, buccal ulceration. Rare risk of disease transmission by infective agents.

Drug Interactions

Decreased response to live virus vaccine (e.g. measles, mumps, rubella and varicella), admin at least 4 mth after human rabies immunoglobulin admin.

Route of Administration

Injection

Dosage

As directed by the physician