1 May 2026Vaccines, immunoglobulins and antisera

Human tetanus immunoglobulin (HTIG)

HTIG guidance for wound-related tetanus prevention and for treatment of clinical tetanus.

This guide page is for structured reference only and does not replace a clinician, pharmacist, or emergency review. Dose choice, route choice, interactions, and safety decisions still need professional judgment.

Therapeutic action

Neutralisation of tetanus toxin. HTIG provides passive immunization against tetanus for 3 to 4 weeks.

Indications

Prevention of tetanus in wound management, in patients non-immunised or incompletely immunised or in patients whose immunisation status is unknown, in combination with tetanus vaccine.
Treatment of clinical tetanus.

Forms and strengths, route of administration

Solution for injection in 250 IU ampoule or single-dose syringe (250 IU/ml, 1 ml) or 500 IU ampoule or syringe (250 IU/ml, 2 ml), for IM injection.
Do not administer by IV route.

Dose and duration

Prevention of tetanus

HTIG is administered in the event of tetanus-prone wounds such as wounds with fracture, deep penetrating wounds, bite wounds, wounds containing foreign bodies, wounds contaminated with soil, infected wounds, or extensive tissue damage such as contusions and burns.

Child and adult: 250 IU single dose, or 500 IU if more than 24 hours has elapsed.
HTIG should be administered as soon as possible after injury, along with the tetanus vaccine, in a separate syringe and injection site.

Treatment of tetanus

Neonate, child, and adult: 500 IU single dose, to be injected into 2 different sites.

Contra-indications, adverse effects, precautions

Do not administer to patients with known allergy to HTIG.
May cause, very rarely, allergic reactions.
Ensure that the HTIG does not enter a blood vessel. Aspirate prior to injection to confirm that the needle is not in a vein.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: no contra-indication.
For minor clean wounds, tetanus vaccine is administered alone.
SC route may be used but only if IM route is contra-indicated.

Source

MSF Essential drugs practical guidelines (January 2026)

This page reproduces the structured reference information for this batch while leaving out the Storage and Remarks sections.

Rate this guide

Be the first to rate this guide.