Diphtheria antitoxin
Indications
Diphtheria antitoxin is used for:
Passive immunization in suspected cases of diphtheria
Adult Dose
Passive immunization in suspected diphtheria (see Precautions), by IM injection, ADULT and CHILD 10 000–30 000 units in mild to moderate cases; 40 000–100 000 units in severe cases (for doses of more than 40 000 units, a portion should be given by IM injection followed by the bulk of the dose intravenously after an interval of 0.5–2 hours)
Child Dose
Passive immunization in suspected diphtheria (see Precautions), by IM injection, ADULT and CHILD 10 000–30 000 units in mild to moderate cases; 40 000–100 000 units in severe cases (for doses of more than 40 000 units, a portion should be given by IM injection followed by the bulk of the dose intravenously after an interval of 0.5–2 hours)
Renal Dose
Administration
Contra Indications
Precautions
Initial test dose to exclude hypersensitivity.
Observation required after full dose (epinephrine (adrenaline) and resuscitation facilities should be available)
Pregnancy-Lactation
Recommendations on the use of Diphtheria Antitoxin in Pregnancy & Lactation:
Diphtheria vaccination and antitoxin are safe during pregnancy and lactation (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2013; Committe on Obstetric Practice et al., 2017; World Health Organization, 2018).
References:
1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2013). Updated recommendations for use of tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid, and acellular pertussis vaccine (Tdap) in pregnant women—Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), 2012. MMWR. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 62(7), 131–135.
2. Committe on Obstetric Practice, Immunization and Emerging Infections Expert Work Group, & Beigi, R. (2017). Update on Immunization and Pregnancy: Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis Vaccination. The American College of obstetricians and Gynecologists. https://www.acog.org/en/Clinical/Clinical Guidance/Committee Opinion/Articles/2017/09/Update on Immunization and Pregnancy Tetanus Diphtheria and Pertussis Vaccination
3. World Health Organization. (2018, September). Diphtheria. WHO; World Health Organization. http://www.who.int/immunization/diseases/diphtheria/en/
Interactions
Adverse Effects
Side effects of Diphtheria antitoxin :
Anaphylaxis with urticaria, hypotension, dyspnoea and shock; serum sickness up to 12 days after injection