💉 Anti-Tetanus Immunoglobulin (TIG)
📄 Description:
Anti-Tetanus Immunoglobulin (TIG) provides immediate passive immunity against Clostridium tetani toxins, used primarily for post-exposure prophylaxis in individuals not fully vaccinated or with uncertain vaccination history. It is also used to treat clinical tetanus.
- Form: Sterile injectable solution
- Source: Derived from human plasma with high titers of tetanus antibodies
- Route: Intramuscular (IM) injection
📝 Prescription:
- Indicated for:
- Individuals with tetanus-prone wounds and incomplete/no vaccination
- Treatment of tetanus (along with antibiotics and supportive care)
- Dosage:
- 250 IU IM for prophylaxis (standard adult dose)
- Up to 3000–6000 IU IM for treatment of tetanus
- Dosage may vary based on wound severity and body weight
🌿 Nature:
- Human immunoglobulin containing high levels of anti-tetanus antibodies
- Provides immediate passive immunity
- Not a vaccine, but a temporary protection until active immunization is established
✅ Advantages:
- Neutralizes tetanus toxin at the wound site
- Life-saving in cases of severe or dirty wounds with unknown/no tetanus vaccination
- Can be given concurrently with tetanus toxoid vaccine
- Well tolerated when given intramuscularly
⚠️ Precautions:
- Do not inject intravenously – IM route only
- Always check for allergic reactions, especially in people with history of reactions to blood products
- Administer in different limbs from the tetanus toxoid vaccine
- Avoid use in patients with IgA deficiency unless specifically needed
- Monitor for pain or swelling at the injection site
🧊 Storage:
- Store at 2°C to 8°C (refrigerated)
- Do not freeze
- Keep in the original packaging to protect from light
- Use within expiry; discard if solution appears cloudy or discolored
📦 Common Packaging:
- Supplied in:
- Single-dose vials or ampoules
- Common concentrations: 250 IU/1 mL, 500 IU/2 mL
- Label includes:
- Strength
- Batch/lot number
- Expiry date
- Storage instructions
👨⚕️ Patient Advice
- This is not a vaccine – it gives temporary protection from tetanus.
- Complete your tetanus vaccine series if not fully vaccinated.
- Avoid pressing or massaging the injection site.
- Inform your doctor about allergies or bleeding issues before injection.
- Monitor for swelling, fever, or rash—report any severe reactions.
- Keep the wound area clean and follow wound care instructions.
- If a booster vaccine is also advised, take it in the opposite limb.