Registered Malawi · PMRA

RABIVAX S <2.5IU INJECTION

RABIES VACCINE INACTIVATED FREEZE DRIED

PMPB/PL115/22 INJECTION

What it does

Dried is a natural substance that is often used for various health benefits.

Commonly used for: general health support, herbal supplements

Read more in plain English ↓

Plain-language summary for general understanding - not medical advice. Always follow your pharmacist/doctor.

Ask about this medicine

Answers come only from this medicine's registration record, BNF monograph and interaction data - not medical advice.

Medicine sourcing is available in Kenya only. We don't sell or dispense medicines - licensed pharmacies do.

Sourcing - Kenya only

Registration & product details

Registration no.
PMPB/PL115/22
Registration date
18/01/2019
Expiry date
31/03/2025
Status
Registered
Active ingredient
RABIES VACCINE INACTIVATED FREEZE DRIED
Dosage form
INJECTION
Strength
-
Pack size
-
Therapeutic class
-
Manufacturer / MAH
-
Applicant / LTR
-
Country of origin
-

Source: Pharmacy and Medicines Regulatory Authority · fetched 2026-04-21 17:37:38 · updated 2026-09-29 04:33:03

Disclaimer: This information is sourced from Pharmacy and Medicines Regulatory Authority (Malawi). Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any medication.

About dried

Dried is a natural substance that is often used for various health benefits.

What it treats

  • general health support
  • herbal supplements

How it works

Dried works by providing nutrients and compounds that may support overall health and wellness.

Who it's for

This product is suitable for adults looking for natural health support.

Cautions

  • • Ensure you are not allergic to the specific type of dried being used.
  • • Consult a healthcare provider if you are pregnant, nursing, or have a medical condition.

AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.

About freeze

Freeze is not classified under any specific drug class and has no known interactions or cautions.

How it works

Information about how Freeze works is not available.

Who it's for

Freeze may be used for various purposes, but specific conditions are not provided.

AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.

About inactivated

Inactivated vaccines help your body build protection against certain diseases without causing the disease itself.

What it treats

  • prevention of infectious diseases

How it works

Inactivated vaccines contain viruses or bacteria that have been killed or inactivated, so they cannot cause disease. They stimulate your immune system to recognize and fight off the real infection if you are exposed in the future.

Who it's for

These vaccines are generally given to people of all ages, based on specific health recommendations.

AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.

About rabies

Rabies is a viral infection that affects the brain and spinal cord, usually transmitted through animal bites.

What it treats

  • protection against rabies after exposure
  • post-exposure prophylaxis for rabies

How it works

Rabies vaccines help your body build immunity against the rabies virus.

Who it's for

This treatment is for anyone who has been bitten by an animal that may carry rabies.

AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.

About vaccine

Vaccines help protect against certain diseases by training your immune system to recognize and fight off specific germs.

What it treats

  • prevention of infectious diseases
  • immunization against viruses and bacteria

How it works

Vaccines stimulate your body's immune system to produce a response, creating memory cells that help fight off future infections.

Who it's for

Vaccines are for everyone, especially infants, children, and adults who need protection against certain diseases.

AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.

Clinical monograph: dried

Dried refers to the process of removing moisture from substances, commonly applied to foods and herbs to preserve them. In the context of pharmacology, dried preparations, such as dried extracts or powders, are often used in herbal medicine as they concentrate the active constituents of the plant material, allowing for more potent effects.

Indications

  • Nutritional supplementation
  • Herbal therapy for various conditions
  • Preservation of medicinal properties of plants

Dosage

Children: Dosage for dried herbal preparations in children should be approached cautiously and is best determined by a healthcare professional. Refer to paediatric guidelines for specific dosing recommendations.

Adults: Dosage for dried herbal preparations varies widely depending on the specific herb and its intended use. Refer to specific guidelines or reputable sources for dosing information.

Mechanism of action

The mechanism of action for dried herbal preparations varies depending on the specific plant material involved. Generally, the active constituents in dried herbs can exert their effects through various pathways, such as modulating neurotransmitter systems, influencing metabolic pathways, and acting on specific receptors in the body. For instance, flavonoids, terpenes, and alkaloids found in certain dried herbs can exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, or antimicrobial properties.

Pharmacodynamics

The pharmacodynamics of dried drugs depend on their specific chemical constituents. These compounds can affect physiological functions, such as modulating inflammatory responses, enhancing immune function, or affecting neurotransmission. The effects can vary widely based on the type of herb, the method of drying, and the concentration of active ingredients.

Pharmacokinetics

The pharmacokinetics of dried herbal preparations can vary significantly based on the specific herb used. Generally, after ingestion, the active compounds are absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, metabolized primarily by the liver, and then excreted through urine or feces. The bioavailability of these compounds can be influenced by factors such as the form of the preparation (e.g., powder, extract), the presence of other food substances, and individual patient characteristics.

Pregnancy

Safety during pregnancy has not been established. Consult a healthcare provider before use.

Breast-feeding

Consult a healthcare provider before use during breastfeeding.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.

AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.

Clinical monograph: freeze

BNF-referenced

Cocaine is a local anesthetic that produces anesthesia by inhibiting nerve excitation and blocking conduction in peripheral nerves. It is unique among local anesthetics for its vasoconstrictive properties, which are due to its ability to block norepinephrine reuptake in the autonomic nervous system. Cocaine affects dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine transporters, contributing to its anesthetic effects as well as its potential for addiction.

Indications

  • Local anesthesia of mucous membranes
  • Topical anesthesia in oral and nasal procedures
  • Laryngeal anesthesia

Dosage

Children: Refer to the BNF for Children for appropriate paediatric dosing, as it is based on age and weight.

Adults: Refer to the BNF for specific dosing guidance as it varies by indication and clinical scenario.

Mechanism of action

Cocaine produces anesthesia by reversibly binding to and inactivating sodium channels, which are essential for the depolarization and impulse propagation along nerve cells. Additionally, cocaine's blockade of norepinephrine reuptake leads to its vasoconstrictive effects. The drug also prevents the re-uptake of dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine into pre-synaptic neurons, influencing neurotransmitter levels.

Pharmacodynamics

Cocaine is primarily indicated for the introduction of local anesthesia in accessible mucous membranes, including those of the oral, laryngeal, and nasal cavities. Its rapid onset of action and potent local anesthetic properties make it effective for short procedures requiring localized pain relief.

Pharmacokinetics

Cocaine is absorbed quickly through mucous membranes and has a short duration of action. It undergoes extensive hepatic metabolism, primarily by enzymes such as CYP3A4 and CYP2D6, producing metabolites that are then excreted in urine. The onset of anesthesia typically occurs within minutes, while the effects can last from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the route of administration and dosage.

Contra-indications

  • Hypersensitivity to cocaine or any of its components
  • Severe hypertension
  • Severe coronary artery disease
  • History of arrhythmias

Adverse effects

  • Cardiovascular disturbances (e.g., hypertension, tachycardia)
  • CNS effects (e.g., anxiety, agitation, seizures)
  • Local tissue necrosis at the injection site
  • Allergic reactions (e.g., rash, anaphylaxis)

Interactions

  • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) may enhance the effects of cocaine
  • Other sympathomimetic drugs can increase cardiovascular effects
  • Alcohol may potentiate the CNS effects of cocaine

Precautions

  • Use with caution in patients with a history of substance abuse
  • Monitor blood pressure and heart rate during administration
  • Avoid use in patients with significant hepatic impairment
  • Consider potential for addiction and abuse

Pregnancy

Cocaine is contraindicated during pregnancy due to potential harm to the fetus, including risk of miscarriage, premature birth, and developmental issues.

Breast-feeding

Cocaine is excreted in breast milk and may pose a risk to nursing infants; breastfeeding should be avoided during and after use.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.

Formulations

  • Topical solution for mucous membrane application
  • Injection solution for local anesthesia

AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.

Clinical monograph: inactivated

Inactivated vaccines are a type of immunization that use pathogens that have been killed or inactivated through physical or chemical processes. Unlike live vaccines, inactivated vaccines do not replicate in the host but still stimulate an immune response. These vaccines are generally considered safe and are commonly used to prevent various infectious diseases.

Indications

  • Hepatitis A
  • Hepatitis B
  • Influenza
  • Polio
  • Rabies
  • Typhoid fever

Dosage

Children: Refer to specific product guidelines for paediatric dosing, as it varies by vaccine type and indication.

Adults: Refer to specific product guidelines for adult dosing, as it varies by vaccine type and indication.

Mechanism of action

Inactivated vaccines work by introducing a form of the pathogen that cannot cause disease into the body. This stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies and memory cells specific to the pathogen, allowing for a robust immune response upon future exposure. The immune system recognizes the inactivated pathogen as foreign, leading to the activation of T-cells and B-cells, which are crucial for long-term immunity.

Pharmacodynamics

The pharmacodynamics of inactivated vaccines involve the generation of an adaptive immune response. After vaccination, the body produces specific antibodies against the inactivated pathogen. The response typically includes both humoral immunity, characterized by antibody production, and cellular immunity, involving T-cell activation. The duration of immunity can vary, and booster doses may be required to maintain adequate protection.

Pharmacokinetics

Inactivated vaccines do not have a pharmacokinetic profile like traditional drugs since they do not enter systemic circulation in the same manner. Following administration, the vaccine components are taken up by antigen-presenting cells, which process and present the antigens to T-cells. The immune response is initiated locally at the site of injection and can be influenced by factors such as the route of administration and the presence of adjuvants that enhance the immune response.

Adverse effects

  • Injection site reactions (pain, swelling, redness)
  • Fever
  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Myalgia
  • Chills

Precautions

  • Assess for allergies to vaccine components
  • Monitor for allergic reactions post-administration
  • Consider underlying health conditions that may affect immune response

Pregnancy

Inactivated vaccines are generally considered safe during pregnancy, but individual risk-benefit assessment is recommended.

Breast-feeding

Inactivated vaccines can be administered during breastfeeding without concern for adverse effects in the infant.

Storage

Store in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C. Do not freeze.

Formulations

  • Inactivated viral vaccines
  • Inactivated bacterial vaccines

AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.

Clinical monograph: rabies

Rabies is a viral disease caused by the rabies virus, which primarily affects mammals, including humans. It is transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, commonly via bites. The disease is characterized by encephalitis and can lead to severe neurological symptoms, and is often fatal if not treated promptly. Vaccination is a critical preventive measure, particularly for individuals at high risk of exposure, such as veterinary staff and travelers to endemic areas.

Indications

  • Rabies prevention in individuals at high risk of exposure
  • Post-exposure prophylaxis following potential rabies exposure
  • Vaccination for travelers to endemic regions

Dosage

Children: Refer to the BNF for Children for specific dosing recommendations for pediatric patients.

Adults: Refer to the BNF for specific dosing guidelines, as it varies based on exposure risk and vaccination history.

Mechanism of action

The rabies vaccine works by stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies against the rabies virus. This is achieved through the introduction of inactivated or attenuated virus particles, which mimic the infection without causing the disease. The immune response generated helps to prevent the virus from causing illness upon subsequent exposure.

Pharmacodynamics

The rabies vaccine induces an adaptive immune response, leading to the production of neutralizing antibodies specific to the rabies virus. This immune memory protects against future infections. The vaccine is typically administered in a series of doses to ensure adequate immune response and long-term protection.

Pharmacokinetics

The pharmacokinetics of the rabies vaccine involve absorption at the injection site, followed by systemic distribution of the antigens. The onset of immunity generally occurs within two weeks after the initial vaccination, with peak antibody levels typically reached within one to two months. The duration of immunity can vary, necessitating booster doses in certain populations.

Interactions

  • chloroquine+rabiesvaccine: Severe (decreases efficacy)

Pregnancy

Rabies vaccination is generally considered safe during pregnancy. However, the risks and benefits should be carefully evaluated.

Breast-feeding

Rabies vaccine is not known to cause any adverse effects in breastfeeding. However, consult with a healthcare provider for individual assessments.

Storage

Store the rabies vaccine in a refrigerator at 2-8 degrees Celsius. Do not freeze.

AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.

Clinical monograph: vaccine

Vaccines are biological preparations that provide acquired immunity to a particular infectious disease. They contain antigens that stimulate the immune system to recognize and fight pathogens without causing the disease itself. Vaccines can be made from live attenuated pathogens, inactivated pathogens, subunit components, or mRNA. They are crucial in preventing infectious diseases and have significantly reduced morbidity and mortality worldwide.

Indications

  • Prevention of infectious diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis B, influenza, and human papillomavirus (HPV)
  • Travel vaccinations for diseases endemic to certain regions
  • Vaccination for at-risk populations, such as those with compromised immune systems or specific occupational exposures

Dosage

Children: Dosage varies by vaccine type and age; refer to the BNF for Children for specific dosing information.

Adults: Dosage varies by vaccine type and indication; refer to specific guidelines for each vaccine.

Mechanism of action

Vaccines work by mimicking an infection. They introduce a harmless component of a pathogen (antigen) to the immune system, prompting the body to produce an immune response. This includes the generation of antibodies and memory cells that provide long-term immunity. Upon subsequent exposure to the actual pathogen, the immune system is primed to respond more rapidly and effectively.

Pharmacodynamics

The pharmacodynamics of vaccines involves the activation of both humoral and cellular immunity. Vaccines stimulate B cells to produce antibodies against the pathogen, while T cells are activated to destroy infected cells. This dual response helps to establish immunological memory, which enables a faster and more robust response upon re-exposure to the pathogen.

Pharmacokinetics

Vaccines are administered via various routes, including intramuscular, subcutaneous, and oral. After administration, the antigens are presented to antigen-presenting cells, which activate T cells and stimulate B cell proliferation and differentiation. The half-life of vaccine-induced immunity varies depending on the type of vaccine, with some providing lifelong immunity and others requiring booster doses to maintain protection.

Contra-indications

  • Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a component of the vaccine
  • Severe immunocompromised state for live attenuated vaccines

Adverse effects

  • Local reactions at the injection site (pain, redness, swelling)
  • Fever
  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Muscle pain
  • Joint pain
  • Nausea

Interactions

  • Immunosuppressive medications may reduce vaccine efficacy
  • Concurrent administration of some vaccines may require spacing to optimize immune response

Precautions

  • History of allergic reactions to vaccines or vaccine components
  • Pregnancy (specific vaccines may be contraindicated)
  • Moderate to severe acute illness with or without fever

Pregnancy

Consult healthcare provider. Some vaccines are contraindicated during pregnancy, while others are recommended.

Breast-feeding

Generally considered safe, but consult healthcare provider regarding specific vaccines.

Storage

Store in a refrigerator at 2-8°C. Do not freeze. Protect from light.

Formulations

  • Liquid suspension for injection
  • Lyophilized powder for reconstitution

AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.

Molecular reference: freeze

PubChem CID 446220

Molecular formula: C17H21NO4

Mechanism of action

Cocaine produces anesthesia by inhibiting excitation of nerve endings or by blocking conduction in peripheral nerves. This is achieved by reversibly binding to and inactivating sodium channels. Sodium influx through these channels is necessary for the depolarization of nerve cell membranes and subsequent propagation of impulses along the course of the nerve. Cocaine is the only local anesthetic with vasoconstrictive properties. This is a result of its blockade of norepinephrine reuptake in the autonomic nervous system. Cocaine binds differentially to the dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine transport proteins and directly prevents the re-uptake of dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine into pre-synaptic neurons. Its effect on dopamine levels is most responsible for the addictive property of cocaine. The presence and function of cannabinoid CB(2) receptors in the brain have been the subjects of much debate. /The investigators/ found that systemic, intranasal or intra-accumbens local administration of JWH133, a selective CB(2) receptor agonist, dose-dependently inhibited intravenous cocaine self-administration, cocaine-enhanced locomotion, and cocaine-enhanced accumbens extracellular dopamine in wild-type and CB(1) receptor knockout (CB(1)(-/-), also known as Cnr1(-/-)) mice, but not in CB(2)(-/-) (Cnr2(-/-)) mice. This inhibition was mimicked by GW405833, another CB(2) receptor agonist with a different chemical structure, and was blocked by AM630, a selective CB(2) receptor antagonist. Intra-accumbens administration of JWH133 alone dose-dependently decreased, whereas intra-accumbens administration of AM630 elevated, extracellular dopamine and locomotion in wild-type and CB(1)(-/-) mice, but not in CB(2)(-/-) mice. Intra-accumbens administration of AM630 also blocked the reduction in cocaine self-administration and extracellular dopamine produced by systemic administration of JWH133. These findings suggest that brain CB(2) receptors modulate cocaine's rewarding and locomotor-stimulating effects, likely by a dopamine-dependent mechanism. Cocaine hydrochloride is a local anesthetic which blocks initiation or conduction of nerve impulses following local application; when applied topically to mucous membranes, the drug also produces intense vasoconstriction. When applied topically to the mucous membranes of the nose or mouth, cocaine reduces the acuity of smell or taste, respectively. Cocaine exerts an indirect adrenergic effect by interfering with the uptake of norepinephrine by adrenergic nerve terminals, and therefore potentiates the effects of catecholamines. The indirect adrenergic effect is apparently the mechanism by which the drug produces vasoconstriction and mydriasis. Cocaine has CNS stimulating effects. The drug is also markedly pyrogenic, augmenting heat production by stimulating muscular activity and decreasing heat loss through vasoconstriction. Cocaine has multiple central and peripheral pharmacological actions. The action responsible for the rewarding property, and hence the abuse liability, of cocaine is an action in the dopaminergic synapse; in the rat the major set of critical dopaminergic synapses appears to be in the nucleus accumbens. Cocaine prolongs the activity of dopamine in the synapse by blocking the dopamine reuptake mechanism (which usually inactivates the transmitter by removing it from the proximity of its synaptic targets). This is an action shared with amphetamine; in addition to blocking the dopamine reuptake mechanism, amphetamine also augments dopaminergic function by augmenting dopamine release directly into the synapse. While amphetamine and cocaine have discriminable subjective effects, perhaps due to differences in rate of onset and metabolism or perhaps due to different side effects, cocaine shares its rewarding impact and abuse liability very closely with amphetamine. When drug access is unlimited, cocaine and amphetamine have the same ability to dominate behavior, reducing other beha

Pharmacodynamics

Cocaine is a local anesthetic indicated for the introduction of local (topical) anesthesia of accessible mucous membranes of the oral, laryngeal and nasal cavities.

Source: PubChem (NCBI) · pathways from PathBank, Reactome, WikiPathways & PharmGKB.

This drug in other countries

The same active ingredient registered across other registries we cover - including different brands.