Pneumo-23

Pneumo-23 Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Pneumo-23 is a brand name. Its generic name is Polysaccharide Pneumococcal Vaccine.

Pneumo-23 Introduction

The polysaccharide pneumococcal vaccine is the pneumococcal vaccine used to prevent pneumococcal infection caused by the Streptococcus pneumoniae bacterium. These bacteria cause a wide range of infections including meningitis, sepsis, and pneumonia. The polysaccharide vaccine contains a mixture of purified capsular polysaccharide antigens from different types of S. pneumoniae. The capsular polysaccharides are polymers of repeating monosaccharide units and are part of the protective capsule that surrounds the bacteria. Each serotype has a unique capsule and the vaccine confers immunity to the capsular polysaccharide of a given serotype.

Uses For Pneumo-23

The pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine is usually used to protect people over the age of two from pneumococcal infection caused by the serotypes included in the vaccine. People at increased risk for serious pneumococcal infection due to underlying medical conditions, such as HIV infection, chronic pulmonary, cardiovascular, renal, hepatic, or metabolic disease, asplenia, or functional or anatomic asplenia, may also benefit from the use of the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine.

Mechanism of Action

The pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine contains purified capsular polysaccharide antigens from different types of S. pneumoniae. These polysaccharides are recognized by the immune system, triggering the production of specific antibodies against them. These antibodies then provide protection against infection by the bacteria which carry the same capsular polysaccharides, making it less likely to become infected when exposed to them.

How Long Does it Take to Work?

The vaccine usually starts to work 2-3 weeks after it has been administered, and generally provides protection for up to 5 years. It is important to understand that the protection provided by the vaccine may be diminished over time, so it is recommended that people get revaccinated every 5 years or so to maintain protection against pneumococcal infection.

Absorption

The pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine is absorbed following injection into the muscle or under the skin. It is not absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract.

Route of Elimination

The pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine is eliminated through the urine and feces.

Dosage

The recommended dose of the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine is 0.5 mL, given as a single intramuscular or subcutaneous injection. For adults, the dose is administered only once. For children aged 2-4 years old, the dose is administered as a two-dose series at least two months apart. For children aged 5-17 years old, the dose is administered as a two-dose series at least two years apart.

Administration

The pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine is usually given as an intramuscular or subcutaneous injection. It is important to follow instructions provided on the drug label regarding the injection site and the amount of vaccine to be administered.

Side Effects

The most common side effect of the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine is soreness at the injection site. Other common side effects include low-grade fever and headache. Rarely, the vaccine can cause a severe allergic reaction, including difficulty breathing, swelling of the face and throat, or hives. In the event of a severe reaction, a healthcare provider should be contacted immediately.

Toxicity

The pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine is generally well tolerated. In rare instances, it can cause anaphylaxis or other serious adverse reactions. It is important to contact a healthcare provider immediately if any severe side effects occur after receiving the vaccination.

Precautions

The pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine should not be given to people who are allergic to any of its components, including any dyes that are used in the vaccine or to any component of the diluent. People with certain medical conditions, including a weakened immune system, damaged spleen, or severe trauma, should not receive the vaccine except on the advice of their healthcare provider. It is important to tell your healthcare provider if you have certain medical conditions, such as HIV, cancer, or a history of Guillain-Barre syndrome.

Interactions

The pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine may interact with certain medications. It is important to tell your healthcare provider about all medications you are taking before receiving the vaccine.

Disease Interactions

The pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine may interact with certain diseases. It is important to tell your healthcare provider if you have any underlying medical conditions, including HIV infection, chronic pulmonary, cardiovascular, renal, hepatic, or metabolic disease, asplenia, or functional or anatomic asplenia.

Drug Interactions

The pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine may interact with certain drugs, including antiviral drugs, anticonvulsants, and antidiabetic drugs. It is important to tell your healthcare provider about all medications you are taking before receiving the vaccine.

Food Interactions

The pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine is not known to interact with food or dietary supplements.

Pregnancy Use

The pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It is important to speak with a healthcare provider before receiving this vaccine if you are pregnant.

Lactation Use

The pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine is not recommended for use during lactation. It is important to speak with a healthcare provider before receiving this vaccine if you are breastfeeding.

Acute Overdose

An acute overdose of the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine is not likely to cause severe symptoms. In the event of an overdose, it is important to contact a healthcare provider immediately.

Contraindications

The pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine is contraindicated in people who are allergic to any of its components, including any dyes that are used in the vaccine or to any component of the diluent. People with certain medical conditions, including a weakened immune system, damaged spleen, or severe trauma, should not receive the vaccine except on the advice of their healthcare provider.

Use Direction

The pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine should be administered intramuscularly or subcutaneously according to the instructions provided in the patient information leaflet. It is important to follow instructions provided on the label regarding the injection site and the amount of vaccine to be administered.

Storage Condition

The pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine should be stored at refrigerated temperatures (2°C -8°C). It should not be exposed to temperatures above 25°C.

Volume of Distribution

The volume of distribution for the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine is not known.

Half-life

The half-life of the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine is not known.

Clearance

The clearance of the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine is not known.

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