A sterile suspension of purified, inactivated toxoids of Corynebacterium diphtheriae and Clostridium tetani, combined with purified, inactivated Bordetella pertussis antigens. It is a trivalent vaccine used for active immunization against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough). It is a key component of the National Immunization Schedule (NIS) in India, primarily used as a booster dose (DTwP) in children above 4 years of age and adults, where the whole-cell pertussis component is considered appropriate.
Adult: 0.5 mL as a single intramuscular booster dose. For primary immunization in an unvaccinated adult, a series of three doses (0, 1-2, 6-12 months) of Td (tetanus-diphtheria) is preferred; whole-cell pertussis is not standard in adult primary series.
Note: Shake the vial or pre-filled syringe well before use to form a homogeneous, whitish suspension. Administer 0.5 mL by deep intramuscular injection, preferably into the deltoid muscle (upper arm) in older children and adults, or the anterolateral thigh in younger children. Do not inject intravenously, intradermally, or subcutaneously. Use a separate, sterile syringe and needle for each patient.
The vaccine contains detoxified bacterial toxins (toxoids) and inactivated bacterial cells. Upon intramuscular administration, these antigens are taken up by antigen-presenting cells, processed, and presented to helper T-cells. This stimulates a T-cell-dependent B-cell response, leading to the production of neutralizing antibodies (mainly IgG) against diphtheria toxin, tetanus toxin, and pertussis antigens. Memory B-cells and T-cells are generated, providing long-term immunity.
Pregnancy: Category C. NOT ROUTINELY RECOMMENDED during pregnancy. This formulation contains whole-cell pertussis, which is not the standard for maternal immunization. For pregnant women requiring tetanus prophylaxis, Tetanus Toxoid (TT) alone is used. For pertussis protection, acellular pertussis vaccine (Tdap) is recommended in the 2nd/3rd trimester in many countries, but not with this wP product.
Driving: Vaccination is unlikely to affect driving ability. However, patients should be advised about potential side effects like dizziness, fatigue, or fever which could impair performance.
| Immunosuppressants (e.g., high-dose corticosteroids, chemotherapy, biologics like TNF-alpha inhibitors) | Diminished or suboptimal immune response to the vaccine. May not achieve protective antibody titers. | Major |
| Immunoglobulins or Blood Products (e.g., IVIG, anti-D, whole blood transfusion) | May interfere with the immune response to live vaccines. For inactivated vaccines like DTwP, interference is minimal, but spacing is recommended for optimal response. | Moderate |
| Anticoagulants (e.g., Warfarin) | Increased risk of bleeding or hematoma at the injection site. Use a fine-gauge needle and apply firm pressure. | Moderate |
Same composition (Diphtheria Toxoid (30IU) + Tetanus Toxoid (60IU) + Pertussis Toxoid (4IU)), different brands: