GENERIC NAME: DIPHTHERIA/TETANUS/PERTUSSIS VACCINE PEDIATRIC - INJECTION (dip-THEER-ee-uh/TET-un-us/per-TUSS-iss vack-SEEN)

BRAND NAME(S): Daptacel, Infanrix, Tripedia

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: This medication is given to provide protection (immunity) against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis diseases in children from 6 weeks of age up to seven years of age.

HOW TO USE: This medication is given by injection into a muscle (IM) by a health care professional. Shake this medication well before using. It is usually given in the upper arm or in the upper thigh. The recommended vaccination schedule is a dose at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months and 15 or 20 months with a booster dose at prior to entering school at 4-6 years of age. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid.

SIDE EFFECTS: Most common is redness, warmth, swelling or pain at the injection site beginning within 3 days. For several weeks, it may be possible to feel a firm, hard spot at the injection site. Mild fever, irritability, vomiting, loss of appetite, sleepiness, weakness, runny nose, diarrhea may last 1-7 days. If any of these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if any of the following occur: high fever, persistent inconsolable crying (beginning within 48 hours of the shot and lasting longer than 3 hours), seizure, collapse. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: other illnesses or infections, bleeding disorders, seizure disorders, any allergies. This vaccine should not be administered to adults or to children 7 years of age or older. This age group should receive the tetanus/diphtheria vaccine without pertussis. This vaccination should not be used in persons who have had a previous reaction to pertussis vaccine or who have recovered from pertussis illness.

From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com

Tetanus - Get the facts on tetanus causes (Clostridium tetani bacterial infection), symptoms and signs (lockjaw), diagnosis, vaccination (DTaP) side effects, booster and treatment. Source:MedicineNet Whooping Cough (Pertussis) - Get the facts on whooping cough (pertussis) symptoms, signs, stages, causes (Bordetella pertussis), diagnosis, treatment and vaccine information. Source:MedicineNet Read 14 more diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine pediatric related articles ... So Much to Do, So Little Sleep Head Injuries All Too Common in Summer Play Health Tip: The Word on Wisdom Teeth Health Tip: Make Exercise a Daily Habit New Source of Heart Stem Cells Found Health Highlights: June 23, 2008 Poorer Patients Have Poorer Survival After Cancer Diagnosis One Gene May Be Key to Myeloma Crocodile Babies Cry Out for Hatching Immune Molecule Key to Preventing Organ Rejection