Anthropometric Measurements as Predictors of Low Birth Weight Among Tanzanian Neonates: A Hospital-Based Study
November 7, 2025
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Brand Name :
Synagis
(United States) [Available]Synonyms :
palivizumab
Class :
Drugs for asthma and COPD & Anti-Asthmatic (monoclonal antibody)
Brand Name :
Synagis
(United States) [Available]Synonyms :
palivizumab
Class :
Drugs for asthma and COPD & Anti-Asthmatic (monoclonal antibody)
Dosage Forms & StrengthsÂ
Solution, IntramuscularÂ
50 mg/0.5mlÂ
100 mg/mlÂ
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
15
mg/kg
Intramuscular (IM)
every 1 month
during RSV season with first dose administered
may diminish the therapeutic effect of vaccines
vaccinia immune globulin intravenous (Rx)
may diminish the therapeutic effect of vaccines
may diminish the therapeutic effect of vaccines
may diminish the therapeutic effect of vaccines
may diminish the therapeutic effect of vaccines
measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella vaccine, live (Rx)
may diminish the therapeutic effect of vaccines
measles mumps and rubella vaccine, live
may diminish the therapeutic effect of vaccines
measles, mumps, rubella and varicella vaccine, liveÂ
may decrease the therapeutic effects of vaccine
may enhance the thrombogenic effect of immune globulin
may enhance the thrombogenic effect of immune globulin
poliovirus vaccine, live, trivalent
may diminish the therapeutic effect of vaccines
poliovirus vaccine inactivated
may diminish the therapeutic effect of vaccines
may diminish the therapeutic effect of vaccines
smallpox (vaccinia) vaccine, live
may diminish the therapeutic effect of vaccines
may diminish the therapeutic effect of vaccines
may diminish the therapeutic effect of vaccines
may diminish the therapeutic effect of vaccines
measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella vaccine, live (Rx)
they decrease the efficacy of live vaccines
measles mumps and rubella vaccine, live
they decrease the efficacy of live vaccines
Palivizumab is a monoclonal antibody that has been specifically developed for providing passive immunity to the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Its mode of operation involves: It works via binding to the RSV surface at F protein or the fusion (F) protein of the virus. The ability of the virus to intercalate into host cell membranes and ease its entry into the cells is mediated by the F protein.Â
It prevents the virus from binding onto host cells through the inactivation of sections on the F protein with which the virus would normally bind to enter the host cells. This process of neutralization reduces the overall quantity of viruses in respiratory tracts and thus halts viral replication.Â
It not only prevents the virus from entering a cell in the early stages, but also prevents it from performing further intracellular spread through the action of the F protein.Â
Adverse Reaction Â
Frequency definedÂ
>10%Â
Skin rashÂ
Fever Â
Post-marketing Â
AngioedemaÂ
Hypersensitivity reactionÂ
Hypotonia Â
Respiratory failureÂ
ThrombocytopeniaÂ
Pruritis
NoneÂ
Pregnancy/Lactation:  The safety and efficacy of the medication have not been established in women who are of childbearing age.Â
Lactation: Not used for adult.Â
Pregnancy category:Â
Category A: Satisfactory and well-controlled studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester.Â
Category B: There is no evidence of risk to the fetus found in animal reproduction studies and there are not enough studies on pregnant women.Â
Category C: Adverse effects on the fetus found with evidence in animal reproduction studies and no adequate evidence for an effect in humans, care must be taken for potential risks in pregnant womenÂ
Category D: There is adequate data available with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite potential risks may be used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.Â
Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh risks over benefits These category drugs should be prohibited for pregnant women.Â
Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category.Â
Palivizumab binds selectively only to F (fusion) proteins of RSV.It works by binding to this protein and thereby blocking the virus from entering host cells and blocking the process of infected cells fusing with other cells in the vicinity to release more virus and cause further infection.Â
PharmacodynamicsÂ
Synagis has immunological properties that neutralizing and fusogenic RSV thereby suppressing the virus reproduction and spread. RSV is used in pediatric patients as a preventive agent for lower respiratory tract illness.Â
PharmacokineticsÂ
AbsorptionÂ
It is given through an intramuscular route usually in the anterolateral region of the thigh.Â
DistributionÂ
Once injected, palivizumab circulates in the body and its half life is approximately 3 weeks. It’s volume of distribution or distribution space is nearly comparable to that of plasma.Â
MetabolismÂ
Like other monoclonal antibodies palivizumab is metabolized through the reticuloendothelial system which consists of phagocytic and lysosomal actions.Â
Elimination/ExcretionÂ
It has an elimination half-life of about 20 days in infants and young children. This half-life allows for administering the drug on a monthly basis during the peak RSV season.Â
It should be administered intramuscularly in the anterolateral aspect of the thigh when preparing for surgery. Do not use the gluteal muscle for injections by the routine since it poses high chances of damaging the sciatic nerve.Â
Generic Name: PalivizumabÂ
Pronounced: pa-vi-li-zu-mabÂ
Why do we use palivizumab?Â
 It is used to prevent severe lower respiratory tract disease caused by RSV in high-risk infants and young children. This is especially the case for premature babies, the neonate with CLD, and children with significant congenital heart diseases (CHD).Â
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