← Search & browse all drugs
ANTIINFECTIVES FOR SYSTEMIC USE › IMMUNE SERA AND IMMUNOGLOBULINS › IMMUNOGLOBULINS › Specific immunoglobulins
rabies immunoglobulin
J06BB05
Forms & Strengths
- Solution for injection: 150 IU/mL
Adult Dosing
- Post-exposure prophylaxis: 20 IU/kg body weight administered as soon as possible after exposure
- Infiltrate as much of the dose as anatomically feasible locally around and into the wound
- Administer the remainder intramuscularly (gluteal region) at a site distant from the rabies vaccine injection site
- Do not exceed the recommended dose to avoid interference with active antibody production from the vaccine
Pediatric Dosing
- Post-exposure prophylaxis: 20 IU/kg body weight for all age groups, including neonates and infants
- Calculate dose based on actual body weight
- Infiltrate locally around and into the wound(s); administer remainder intramuscularly
- Dilute small volumes with normal saline if necessary to ensure thorough infiltration of all bite sites
Indications
- Passive, transient post-exposure prophylaxis for rabies infection following suspected exposure to a rabid animal
- Must be used in conjunction with a full course of rabies vaccine (post-exposure vaccination series)
- Indicated for persons previously not immunized against rabies
Mechanism of Action
- Provides immediate, short-term passive immunity by neutralizing rabies virus at the exposure site
- Prevents viral entry into peripheral nerves and subsequent spread to the central nervous system
- Binds to viral surface glycoproteins, facilitating clearance before active immunity from vaccination takes effect
Contraindications
- Previous severe systemic allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to human immune globulin preparations
- Repeated doses once the rabies vaccination series has been initiated (may interfere with active antibody response)
- Do not administer intravenously due to the risk of severe hypotensive reactions and anaphylaxis
Adverse Reactions
- Local pain, tenderness, redness, and swelling at the injection site
- Low-grade fever and myalgia
- Headache and malaise
- Rare: Hypersensitivity reactions, angioedema, anaphylaxis
Drug Interactions
- Rabies vaccine: RIG can interfere with the active antibody response; administer at separate anatomical sites and do not exceed the recommended 20 IU/kg dose
- Live attenuated vaccines (MMR, varicella): Passive antibody administration may impair the immune response; delay live viral vaccines for several months post-RIG administration
Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use