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Human tetanus immunoglobulin (HTIG)

Tetanus immunoglobulin

Tetanus immunoglobulin is a human antibody preparation used to provide immediate passive immunity for the prevention or treatment of tetanus in high-risk wounds and clinical tetanus.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It supplies preformed antibodies that neutralise circulating tetanus toxin before it binds to nervous tissue, providing protection that begins promptly but is short-lived.

Prescribing in practice

  • It must be given at a separate injection site from tetanus-containing vaccine so that passive antibody does not blunt the active immune response.
  • It neutralises only unbound toxin and does not replace thorough wound management, antibiotics where indicated, or active immunisation.
  • Use with caution in patients with known reactions to human immunoglobulins, observing for hypersensitivity.

Monitoring

Observe for acute hypersensitivity reactions after administration and ensure the active immunisation schedule is completed and documented.

Counselling the patient

  • This injection gives short-term protection only; you still need the tetanus vaccine course.
  • Keep the wound clean and follow wound-care advice.
  • Report any rash, breathlessness or swelling after the injection.

Evidence & guidelines

Its use for tetanus-prone wounds and established tetanus is set out in UK Health Security Agency immunisation guidance (the Green Book).

Reference: UKHSA Green Book Ch.30; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Pathways