Palivizumab
Palivizumab (Synagis)
Palivizumab
( pal-ih- VIZ-you-mab)
Pregnancy Category: C Synagis (Rx)

Classification: Monoclonal antibody to treat respiratory syncytial virus

Action/Kinetics: Humanized monoclonal antibody produced by recombinant DNA technology. The antibody exhibits neutralizing and fusion-inhibitory activity against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), leading to a reduction in the quantity of RSV in the lower respiratory tract. t 1/2, adults: 18 days; children: 20 days.

Uses: Prevention of serious lower respiratory tract disease due to RSV in pediatric clients at high risk of RSV disease.

Contraindications: Use in adults. Pediatric clients with a history of severe reaction to palivizumab or other components of the product.

Special Concerns: Safety and efficacy have not been determined for treatment of established RSV disease.

Side Effects: Respiratory: URTI, rhinitis, pharyngitis, cough, wheezing, bronchiolitis, pneumonia, bronchitis, asthma, croup, dyspnea, sinusitis, apnea. GI: Diarrhea, vomiting, gastroenteritis, abnormal liver function, oral monilia. Dermatologic: Rash, fungal dermatitis, eczema, seborrhea. Miscellaneous: Otitis media, pain, hernia, failure to thrive, nervousness, injection site reaction, conjunctivitis, viral infection, anemia, flu syndrome.

Laboratory Test Alterations: AST, ALT.

How Supplied: Injection, lyophilized: 100 mg

Dosage
?IM only Prevention of RSV disease.
Children: 15 mg/kg per month IM (preferably in the anterolateral part of the thigh). To calculate the monthly dose: [patient weight (kg) x 15 mg/kg divided by 100 mg/mL of palivizumab]