- Brand Name : Infanrix
- Drug Class : Vaccines, Combos
- Medical Author : Divya Jacob, Pharm. D.
- Medical Reviewer : Sarfaroj Khan, BHMS, PGD Health Operations
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What Is Diphtheria and Tetanus Toxoids and Acellular Pertussis Vaccine and How Does It Work?
Diphtheria and Tetanus Toxoids and Acellular Pertussis Vaccine is used for active immunization against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough) in children.
- Diphtheria and Tetanus Toxoids and Acellular Pertussis Vaccine is available under t1he following different brand names: Infanrix, Daptacel
What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Diphtheria and Tetanus Toxoids and Acellular Pertussis Vaccine?
Common side effects of Diphtheria and Tetanus Toxoids and Acellular Pertussis Vaccine include:
- injection site reactions (redness, warmth, swelling, tenderness, itching, pain, hives, and rash)
- fever
- drowsiness
- fretfulness
- vomiting
- weight loss
- persistent crying
- convulsions (rare)
Serious side effects of Diphtheria and Tetanus Toxoids and Acellular Pertussis Vaccine include:
- hives
- swelling of the mouth or tongue
- difficulty breathing
- shock
- high fever
- persistent crying
- convulsions
- low blood pressure
Rare side effects of Diphtheria and Tetanus Toxoids and Acellular Pertussis Vaccine include:
- none
Seek medical care or call 911 at once if you have the following serious side effects:
- Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, arm or leg weakness, trouble walking, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady, very stiff muscles, high fever, profuse sweating, or tremors;
- Serious eye symptoms such as sudden vision loss, blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights;
- Serious heart symptoms include fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeats; fluttering in the chest; shortness of breath; sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, or passing out.
This is not a complete list of side effects and other serious side effects or health problems that may occur as a result of the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may report side effects or health problems to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What Are the Dosages of Diphtheria and Tetanus Toxoids and Acellular Pertussis Vaccine?
Pediatric dosage
- Lf = limits of flocculation
- DTaP suspension
- (10 mcg/15 Lf/5 Lf)/0.5 mL (Daptacel)
- (58 mcg/25 Lf/10 Lf)/0.5 mL (Infanrix)
Primary Immunization
Pediatric dosage
- Aged between 6 weeks-7 years
- 0.5 mL IM x 3 at 2, 4, 6 months of age; may administer as early as six weeks of age and repeated every 4-8 weeks; THEN 4th dose at 15-20 months of age but at least 6 months after the third dose & 5th dose at 4-6 years of age, before starting school or kindergarten; if fourth dose given at >4 years of age, may omit fifth dose;
- For children below 7 years who didn’t receive DTaP at early infancy, give the first 3 doses every month, then 4th dose at least 6 months later
- Aged above 7 years
- Not approved for use; use tetanus and diphtheria toxoids vaccine instead
Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows:
- See “Dosages”