A vintage single-dose bottle of tetanus antitoxin manufactured by Sächsisches Serumwerk Dresden (now GlaxoSmithKline)
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| Clinical data | |
|---|---|
| Trade names | HyperTET S/D, others |
| Other names | tetanus immune globulin, tetanus antitoxin |
| AHFS/Drugs.com | Monograph |
| Routes of administration | IM |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | |
| ChemSpider |
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Anti-tetanus immunoglobulin, also known as tetanus immune globulin (TIG) and tetanus antitoxin, is a medication made up of antibodies against the tetanus toxin.[1] It is used to prevent tetanus in those who have a wound that is at high risk, have not been fully vaccinated with tetanus toxoid, or have HIV/AIDS.[1][2] It is used to treat tetanus along with antibiotics and muscle relaxants.[1] It is given by injection into a muscle.[1] Part of the dose is injected at the site of the wound.[2]
Common side effects include pain at the site of injection and fever.[1] Allergic reactions including anaphylaxis may rarely occur.[1] There is also a very low risk of the spread of infections such as viral hepatitis and HIV/AIDS with the human version.[1] Use during pregnancy and lactation is acceptable.[3][4] It is made from either human or horse blood plasma.[1][5]
The immunoglobulin is categorized as immunoglobulin G (IgG).[4] Since the tetanus toxin permanently binds to human tissues, only unbounded molecules can be neutralized by the immunoglobulin.[2]
Use of the horse version became common in the 1910s, while the human version came into frequent use in the 1960s.[6] It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.[7][8] The human version may be unavailable in the developing world.[5] The horse version is not typically used in the developed world due to the risk of serum sickness.[9]
