Palivizumab (Prevention)
Palivizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody directed against the F (fusion) protein of the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). It provides passive immunity to prevent severe RSV infections in high-risk infants and young children, such as those born prematurely or those with chronic lung or congenital heart disease.
Dosage by Body Weight
The recommended dose is 15 mg/kg body weight administered intramuscularly once monthly during periods of RSV risk (typically a maximum of 5 consecutive monthly doses during the RSV season). Injection volume greater than 1 mL should be given as divided doses in separate sites.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- 15 mg/kg (up to 75 mg)
- Frequency
- Once monthly
- Tracking Notes
- Administer intramuscularly (preferably anterolateral thigh). RSV prophylaxis is typically limited to 5 monthly doses per season.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- 75 mg - 105 mg
- Frequency
- Once monthly
- Tracking Notes
- Based on 15 mg/kg. Injection volume should not exceed 1 mL per injection site; use separate sites if total volume exceeds 1 mL.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- 120 mg - 150 mg
- Frequency
- Once monthly
- Tracking Notes
- Based on 15 mg/kg. Divide doses exceeding 1 mL into multiple injections at different sites.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- 165 mg - 225 mg
- Frequency
- Once monthly
- Tracking Notes
- Based on 15 mg/kg. Divide doses exceeding 1 mL into multiple injections at different sites.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- 240 mg - 300 mg
- Frequency
- Once monthly
- Tracking Notes
- Based on 15 mg/kg. Children in this weight category are rarely candidates for palivizumab unless they meet strict high-risk criteria.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | 15 mg/kg (up to 75 mg) | Once monthly | Administer intramuscularly (preferably anterolateral thigh). RSV prophylaxis is typically limited to 5 monthly doses per season. |
| 5-7 kg | 75 mg - 105 mg | Once monthly | Based on 15 mg/kg. Injection volume should not exceed 1 mL per injection site; use separate sites if total volume exceeds 1 mL. |
| 8-10 kg | 120 mg - 150 mg | Once monthly | Based on 15 mg/kg. Divide doses exceeding 1 mL into multiple injections at different sites. |
| 11-15 kg | 165 mg - 225 mg | Once monthly | Based on 15 mg/kg. Divide doses exceeding 1 mL into multiple injections at different sites. |
| 16-20 kg | 240 mg - 300 mg | Once monthly | Based on 15 mg/kg. Children in this weight category are rarely candidates for palivizumab unless they meet strict high-risk criteria. |
Formulation
Purpose
Prevention of serious lower respiratory tract disease caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in pediatric patients at high risk of RSV disease.
Generic Name
PalivizumabBranded Drug Names
Palivizumab (Prevention) is listed as a generic drug name. Common branded medicines that may contain the same active ingredient include:
Scheduled Drug
No. This medicine is generally not treated as a scheduled/prescription-only drug in common consumer references, but local rules may vary.