Pharmacology for Dentistry

Vaccines, Sera and Other Immunological Agents 445

RUBELLA VACCINE (R-VAC)

It is used for active immunisation
against rubella. It is administered to girls
aged 10 to 14 years. It is also recommended
for women of child bearing age if they are
seronegative, women who are found to
seronegative during pregnancy should be
vaccinated in the early postpartum period.
Pregnancy should be avoided for at least
one month after vaccination.

ANTISNAKE VENOM

The venom of snake is a complex mixture
of protein which has enzymatic activity and
may also provoke local inflammatory
reaction. The venom may have effect on
tissue, blood vessels, blood cell coagulation
or neurotoxic effect with sensory, motor and
respiratory involvement. Management of
snake bite involves general supportive care
and monitoring of vital functions but in a
systemic snake bite poisoning, specific
antivenom is the most effective therapy. It
is highly recommended to wait for clear
clinical evidence of systemic poisoning
before giving antivenom. Monospecific
antivenoms are more effective and are less
likely to cause side effects than polyvalent
antivenoms.

IMMUNOGLOBULINS

These are preparations containing
antibodies against infectious
microorganisms and are usually prepared
from human plasma or serum.

Normal immunoglobulins are prepared
from material from blood donors and
contain several antibodies against
infectious diseases prevalent in the general

population. Specific immunoglobulins

contain minimum specified levels of one

antibody.

Anti-D immunoglobulins are given to

prevent the formation of rhesus antibodies

in rhesus-negative (Rh –ve) persons on

exposure to rhesus positive red blood cells.

TETANUS IMMUNOGLOBULIN (TIG;

TETGLOB)

It is a sterile solution of hyperimmuno-

globulin prepared from the placenta of

healthy volunteers specifically immunised

against tetanus.

Adverse effects include local pain,

fever, flushing, headache and chills.

It is indicated in subjects already

sensitised with serums of animal origin,

existence of prior or present allergic

manifestations (asthma, eczema, etc.),

burns, injuries, open and compound

fractures; unimmunized or inadequately

immunised mothers.

Dosage:

Prophylaxis: 250-500 IU intramuscular.

Therapeutic: Tetanus neonatorum 500

to 10,000 IU intramuscular or 250 IU

intrathecal. In adults and children 500 to

10,000 IU intramuscular and/or 250 to 500

IU intrathecally.

RABIES IMMUNOGLOBULIN

(BERIRAB-P)

It provides passive protection when

given immediately to individuals exposed

to rabies virus. This provides maximum

circulating antibody with minimum