Pharmacology for Dentistry

438 Section 13/ Miscellaneous

Tetanus is an infection caused by a
bacteria found in dirt, gravel and rusty
metal. It usually enters the body through a
cut. Tetanus bacteria causes the muscles to
spasm (move suddenly). If tetanus attacks
the jaw muscles it causes lockjaw, the
inability to open the mouth. Tetanus can
also cause spasm of the respiratory muscles,
which can be fatal.

Pertussis also called whooping cough
which is caused by a bacteria that clogs the
lungs with mucus (a thick, slimy
substance). This can cause a severe cough
that sounds like a ‘whoop.’ The cough can
last for two months and allows the infection
by other bacteria which can cause
pneumonia and bronchitis (infection of
lungs).

Diphtheria Antitoxin
It is used for passive immunisation in
suspected cases of diphtheria and should
be given without waiting for bacteriological
confirmation of the infection and
antibacterial agent is usually given
concomitantly. A test dose of diphtheria
antitoxin should always be given to test
hypersensitivity.

COMBINATION VACCINE

A combination vaccine consists of two
or more separate immunogens physically
combined in a single preparation. A
combination vaccine gives protection from
more than one disease.

Advantages of Combination Vaccines

• It is more convenient for parents and
  medical staff since number of visits to
  the hospital are reduced.
  
  
  • It is less traumatic for children since
    lesser number of injections have to be
    given.
  
  
  • Combined vaccines invariably cost less
    than the sum of their component
    individual vaccines.
  
  
  • The overall number of adverse
    reactions is lower.
  
  
  • The chance of compliance is increased
    benefitting the individual and the
    community.
  
  
  • There is more cost-effective use of
    health-care manpower and resources.
  
  
  • The cost of purchase, transportation
    and storage of vaccines are
    substantially reduced.
  
  
  • The administration of medical records
    and vaccine scheduling is simplified.
    Some examples of combination
    vaccines include DTP, MMR etc. Now,
    newer combination vaccines are available
    that provide prevention against four
    diseases (DTP + HB) or even five diseases
    (DTP + HB/Hib) making it pentavalent
    vaccine.
  
  
  
  

COMBINATION VACCINES WITH

HAEMOPHILUS B CONJUGATE VAC-

CINE (HIB TITER)

Each lyophilisate for one immunising dose

of diphtheria, tetanus toxoids and pertussis

with Haemophilus b conjugate vaccine

contains Haemophilus influenzae type b

polysaccharide conjugated to tetanus protein

10 mcg, purified diphtheria toxoid 1

immunising dose, purified tetanus toxoid 1

immunising dose, Bordetella pertussis

minimum of 4.1 IU.

It is indicated in all children from age

of two months onwards for the combined