Tetanus antitoxin - TET-uh-nus AN-ti-TOK-sin is using to prevent andtreat tetanus infection - also known as lockjaw. Tetanus is a serious illness that causes convulsions - seizures and severe muscle spasms that can be strong enough to cause bone fractures of the spine. Tetanus causes death in 30 to 40 percent of people who get it.
In recent years, two thirds of all tetanus cases have been in people 50 years of age and older. Having a tetanus infection in the past does not make you immune to tetanus in the future.
Tetanus antitoxin works by giving your body the antibodies it needs to protect it against tetanus infection. This is called passive protection. This passive protection lasts long enough to protect you until your body can produce its own antibodies against tetanus.
Tetanus antitoxin is to be aplaying only by or under the supervision of your family doctor or other health care professional. It is available in the following dosage form:
Some commonly using brand names are:
Another commonly using name is TAT .
*† Not commercially available in the USA and Canada.