Information about Rabies Vaccine

Generic Name : Rabies Vaccine
Up-to-date prescription details regarding Rabies Vaccine are provided here.

Pronunciation : RAY-beez

Learn the correct pronunciation of the Rabies Vaccine, understand it's uses, recommended dosages, its indications, how to take, when to take, when not to take, side effects, special precautions, warnings and its and its storage instructions.

You will also find a list of the medication's International and Indian brand or trade names, as well as its pricing information. For verification of the information presented on this page or for additional clarifications, it's advisable to consult your doctor.

ICD Code : Y59.0 Therapeutic Classification : Immunizing Agents

Trade Names/Brand Names of Rabies Vaccine

India :

Berirab-P, Carig, Equirab, Erig, Hrig, Imogam Rab, Imorab, Rab, Kamrab, Pars, Pasteur An, Rabglob, Rabies Vac, Rabipur, Rabivax, Vaxirab, Verorab, Verovax-R, Worab.

International :

Imovax

Why is Rabies Vaccine Prescribed? (Indications)

This medication is an immunizing agent, used to prevent rabies. The vaccine activates the body to produce antibodies against the rabies virus.
The rabies vaccine is used in patients at risk of rabies either before (pre-exposure prophylaxis) or after (post-exposure prophylaxis) bites, scratches or licks on broken skin by an animal likely to be suffering from rabies.

When should Rabies Vaccine not be taken? (Contraindications)

Contraindicated in patients with febrile illness (fever) and hypersensitivity.

What is the dosage of Rabies Vaccine?

Adult: IM- Pre-exposure vaccination: Primary course consists of 3 doses; 1 ml on days 0, 7 and 21 or 28. Booster dose: 1 ml based on antibody titers.
Post-exposure vaccination: Vaccinate as soon as possible after exposure and may be stopped if it is shown that the patient was not at risk.
Patients who did not receive proper primary immunization: 5 doses of 1 ml each on days 0, 3, 7, 14 and 28 (patients should also receive rabies 1g with the 1st dose); patients who have received primary immunization: 2 doses of 1 ml on days 0 and 3.

How should Rabies Vaccine be taken?

• It comes as a solution for injection to be administered by a healthcare provider.
• The injection should be administered in the arm in adults and the outer thigh in children, but not into the buttocks.

What are the warnings and precautions for Rabies Vaccine?

• Caution should be exercised in patients with history of allergy, poor immune system and bleeding disorder.

• Inform your doctor about your previous rabies vaccination, if any.

• Patient may develop with the following symptoms after booster dose: joint pain, nausea, malaise, severe allergic reactions, fever and vomiting; if it so consult with your doctor.

• The wound site should be washed with soap and running water as early as possible.

• The entire course should be completed even if the individual suffers from mild adverse effects.

What are the side effects of Rabies Vaccine?

General: Nausea, tiredness, generalized aches, headaches, fever, allergic reactions that can be severe
Skin: Pain, redness, swelling, itching and /or soreness at the site of injection, skin rash
Heart: Hot flashes, palpitations
Nervous system: Dizziness, inflammation of the brain, meninges (the covering of the brain), spinal cord or peripheral nerves, paralysis, Guillain-Barre syndrome, multiple sclerosis, vertigo, problems with vision, The nervous system related side effects are less common with the newer rabies vaccines.

What are the other precautions for Rabies Vaccine?

• It may make you drowsy or dizzy, do not drive a car or operate machinery.

What are the Drug Interactions of Rabies Vaccine?

• Steroids, cancer chemotherapy or immunosuppressive drugs may reduce the development of immunity with the vaccination, thereby reducing its effectiveness.
• Chloroquine may reduce the effectiveness of the vaccine when the vaccine is administered intradermally.