Polysaccharide Pneumococcal Vaccine

Generic Details

Generic Name

Polysaccharide Pneumococcal Vaccine

Other Names

  • Pneumovax 23

Drug Class

  • Vaccine

Chemical Formula

Molecular Weight

Mechanism of Action

  • Stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies against pneumococcal bacteria.

Indications

  • Prevention of pneumococcal diseases such as pneumonia, meningitis, and bacteremia.

Common Dosage Forms

  • Injection

Typical Dosage

  • 0.5mL administered intramuscularly

Pediatric Dosage

  • 0.5mL administered intramuscularly for children above the age of 2

Geriatric Dosage

  • Same as the typical dosage

Side Effects

  • Mild soreness or redness at the injection site
  • Low-grade fever
  • Muscle aches

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to any component of the vaccine

Pregnancy Category

  • Category C - Safety in pregnancy has not been established

Lactation Safety

  • Compatible with breastfeeding

Drug Interactions

  • Immunosuppressive therapies may reduce the efficacy of the vaccine

Overdose Symptoms

  • No specific overdose symptoms reported

Antidote for Overdose

  • No specific antidote, manage symptoms

Storage Conditions

  • Store in the refrigerator, do not freeze.

Pharmacokinetics

  • Absorption: Absorbed systemically after intramuscular injection
  • Distribution: Distributed to the lymphoid tissues where it stimulates antibody production
  • Metabolism: Not metabolized
  • Excretion: Not metabolized

Precautions

  • Consider delaying vaccination in individuals with acute severe febrile illness

Warnings

  • May not provide protection against all pneumococcal serotypes

Others

  • It is recommended to revaccinate individuals over a certain age or with certain medical conditions every 5-10 years.