Tetanus Antitoxin 1500 IU/mL
FOR ANIMAL TREATMENT ONLY
Constituent Statements
1500 IU/mL EQUINE IMMUNOGLOBULIN PROTEIN - EQUINE TETANUS ANTITOXIN
Also contains: 2.2 mg/mL PHENOL (Preservative)
Claims
For short-term protection and treatment of tetanus in horses.
For intravenous (IV) use by or under the direction of a veterinarian
Net Contents
1 mL vial (1,500 IU)
1 mL syringe (1,500 IU)
10 mL vial (15,000 IU)
Directions for Use
It is strongly advised that veterinary advice is sought immediately if tetanus is suspected. Before antitoxin is administered, the proposed site of injection on the horses skin should be disinfected by swabbing with a suitable antiseptic solution.
Precautions
Because equine derived biologicals have in rare cases been associated with hepatic necrosis (serum hepatitis) of unknown aetiology, it is recommended that tetanus antitoxin should only be administered to horses at risk of developing tetanus that have an inadequate or unknown vaccination history.
Side Effects
Transient soft tissue swelling associated with the site of injection may occur on rare occasions.
Dosage and Administration
Intravenous (IV) use must be by or under the direction of a veterinarian. Use immediately on broaching.
DOSAGE
A. For prevention of tetanus.
In horses and foals administer: Not Less than 1,500 IU (1 mL)
The injection is given intramuscularly. The most convenient site in horses for injection is the centre of the side of the neck.
B. For treatment of tetanus
Antitoxin is less effective for treatment of clinical cases of tetanus in horses than it is in prevention. Administration of antitoxin must be done early in the course of disease. The suggested minimum dose in horses is 10,000 to 20,000 IU by slow intravenous injection.
General Directions
It is strongly advised that veterinary advice is sought immediately if tetanus is suspected. Before antitoxin is administered, the proposed site of injection on the horses skin should be disinfected by swabbing with a suitable antiseptic solution.
Tetanus Antitoxin 1500 IU/mL is prepared by immunising horses against the toxin produced by Clostridium tetani. The immunoglobulin fraction of the hyperimmune plasma is separated, purified and concentrated.
Tetanus is caused by infection of wounds with the spores of Clostridium tetani. This organism is most commonly present in soils contaminated with animal faeces. Horses are highly susceptible to tetanus. The disease may be more prevalent in some geographical areas. Deep wounds, or tissues from which the blood supply has been cut off, are favourable sites for the organism. Spores lodging in such wounds will germinate and multiply and liberate the toxin which causes the clinical disease. The onset of clinical signs usually occurs 7 to 21 days after injury, but occasionally may be earlier or much later.
Tetanus is easy to prevent but difficult to treat. Scientific studies have proven that injection of 1500 IU or more of antitoxin should provide effective protection in horses for at least 3 weeks. The period of protection will be increase with higher doses.
A veterinarian should be consulted to diagnose tetanus and also to provide the necessary supportive care. It is recommended that animals be actively immunised for permanent protection. The published data suggests that a preventative dose of tetanus antitoxin
may be given as part of an active-passive immunisation regimen. In this case, it is recommended at separate sites (e.g. opposite sides of the neck).
Withholding Periods
Zero (0) days.
First Aid Instructions
If poisoning occurs, contact a doctor or Poisons Information Centre. Phone Australia 131126.
Additional User Safety
Take care to avoid accidental self-injection.
Disposal
Dispose of empty containers, outer packaging or expired product by wrapping with paper and putting in garbage. Discarded needles should immediately be placed in a designated and appropriately labelled ‘sharps’ container.
Storage
Store between 2°C and 8°C (Refrigerate. Do not freeze.) Protect from light.