Home Drug Guide Basiliximab

Drug Guide

Generic Name

Basiliximab

Brand Names Simulect

Classification

Therapeutic: Immunosuppressant

Pharmacological: Chimeric Monoclonal Antibody

FDA Approved Indications

  • Prevention of acute organ rejection in kidney transplantation
  • Prevention of acute organ rejection in liver transplantation

Mechanism of Action

Basiliximab is a chimeric monoclonal antibody that selectively binds to the alpha-chain (CD25) of the interleukin-2 (IL-2) receptor on activated T-lymphocytes, inhibiting IL-2 mediated T-cell activation and proliferation, thereby suppressing immune response.

Dosage and Administration

Adult: Intravenous initial dose of 20 mg on day 0 and day 4, with additional doses as needed based on immunosuppressive regimen.

Pediatric: Not approved for pediatric use.

Geriatric: No specific dosage adjustment required, but caution advised due to potential comorbidities.

Renal Impairment: No dose adjustment needed.

Hepatic Impairment: No dose adjustment needed.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Administered intravenously; absorption not applicable.

Distribution: Distributes in plasma and extracellular fluid.

Metabolism: Metabolized by proteolytic enzymes into small peptides and amino acids.

Excretion: Excreted primarily via metabolic pathways; not significantly via kidneys.

Half Life: Approximately 7 days.

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to basiliximab or any component of the formulation.

Precautions

  • Monitor for signs of infection; infection risk increases due to immunosuppression.
  • Use with caution in patients with active infections or malignancies.

Adverse Reactions - Common

  • Headache (Common)
  • UTI (Urinary Tract Infection) (Common)
  • Nausea (Common)

Adverse Reactions - Serious

  • Anaphylaxis (Rare)
  • Serious infection including sepsis (Rare)
  • Liver function abnormalities (Rare)

Drug-Drug Interactions

  • Other immunosuppressants like calcineurin inhibitors or corticosteroids may increase risk of infection.
  • Potential additive immunosuppressive effects with other agents.

Drug-Food Interactions

N/A

Drug-Herb Interactions

N/A

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Monitor for signs of infection, infusion reactions, and allergies.

Diagnoses:

  • Risk for Infection due to immunosuppression.
  • Risk for Allergic Reaction.

Implementation: Administer as per protocol, monitor vital signs during infusion, prepare resuscitation equipment for possible anaphylaxis.

Evaluation: Assess for effectiveness in preventing organ rejection and monitor for adverse reactions.

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Report signs of infection, allergic reactions, or unusual symptoms immediately.
  • Keep follow-up appointments for monitoring.
  • Understand the importance of adherence to immunosuppressive therapy.

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings:

  • Potential for anaphylaxis during infusion.

Genetic Factors: No specific genetic considerations beyond general immunosuppression.

Lab Test Interference: May cause transient increase in liver enzymes; monitor liver function tests regularly.

Overdose Management

Signs/Symptoms: No specific overdose symptoms are known; signs may include exaggerated immunosuppression or infusion reactions.

Treatment: Supportive care, monitor vital signs, and provide symptomatic treatment as necessary.

Storage and Handling

Storage: Store refrigerated at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). Avoid freezing.

Stability: Stable for the period specified on the package; reconstituted solution should be used immediately or stored as per stability data.

🛡️ 5 Critical Medication Safety Tips for Nurses

1

Triple-Check High-Risk Medications

Always have another nurse verify insulin, heparin, warfarin, and chemotherapy drugs. These "high-alert" medications cause the most serious errors. Check concentration, dose calculation, and pump settings twice.

2

Know Look-Alike, Sound-Alike Drugs

Common mix-ups: hydromorphone/morphine, Celebrex/Celexa, Zyprexa/Zyrtec. Always use BOTH generic and brand names, read labels twice, and use barcode scanning when available. One wrong letter can be fatal.

3

Assess Before AND After Giving Meds

Check vitals before cardiac meds, pain levels before analgesics, and blood glucose before insulin. Always reassess within 30 minutes to evaluate effectiveness and watch for adverse reactions.

4

Watch for Drug Interactions

Common dangerous combinations: warfarin + aspirin (bleeding), ACE inhibitors + potassium (hyperkalemia), digoxin + diuretics (toxicity). Always check drug interactions before administering new medications.

5

Educate Your Patients

Teach patients medication names, purposes, major side effects, and what to report. Informed patients catch errors and improve compliance. Always encourage questions - an educated patient is a safer patient.

⚡ Remember: When in doubt, don't give it out! It's always safer to double-check than regret later.

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer

This drug guide is for educational purposes only and is NOT intended for clinical use. Always consult current prescribing information, healthcare providers, and institutional protocols before administering any medication. Do not use this information for patient care decisions.