SIMULECT 20MG INJECTION
BASILIXIMAB
What it does
Basiliximab is a medication used to prevent organ rejection after a kidney transplant.
Commonly used for: prevention of organ rejection after kidney transplant
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.
Hard to find? We help patients in Kenya source rare medicines. We don't sell or dispense medicines - licensed pharmacies do.
Source this medicineRegistration & product details
Source: Pharmacy and Poisons Board · fetched 2026-01-28 20:53:29 · updated 2026-07-26 11:44:07
About this medicine
Basiliximab is a medication used to prevent organ rejection after a kidney transplant.
What it treats
- prevention of organ rejection after kidney transplant
How it works
Basiliximab works by blocking certain cells in the immune system that can cause rejection of the transplanted organ.
Who it's for
This medication is for individuals who have received a kidney transplant and need help keeping their body from rejecting the new organ.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: Basiliximab
BNF-referencedBasiliximab is a monoclonal antibody that acts as an interleukin-2 receptor antagonist, primarily used for the prevention of acute rejection in renal transplantation.
Indications
- Prophylaxis of acute rejection in renal transplantation (in combination with a corticosteroid and ciclosporin)
- Prophylaxis of acute rejection in allogeneic renal transplantation used in combination with ciclosporin and corticosteroid-containing immunosuppression
Dosage
Children: For renal transplantation: 600 mg/m2 twice daily, consult local protocol for details; maximum 2 g per day.
Adults: Initially 20 mg administered as an intravenous infusion within 2 hours prior to transplant surgery, followed by 10 mg on days 4 and 14 post-transplant.
Mechanism of action
Basiliximab binds to the alpha chain of the interleukin-2 receptor on activated T-lymphocytes, inhibiting T-lymphocyte proliferation and activation.
Pharmacodynamics
By blocking interleukin-2 signaling, Basiliximab effectively reduces the immune response against transplanted tissues, thus minimizing the risk of organ rejection.
Pharmacokinetics
Basiliximab has a half-life of approximately 7-10 days. It is administered via injection and undergoes distribution in the vascular compartment.
Adverse effects
- Capillary leak syndrome
- Constipation
- Cytokine release syndrome
- Dyspnoea
- Fever
- Heart failure
- Hypersensitivity
- Hypertension
- Hypertrichosis
- Hypotension
- Increased risk of infection
- Myocardial infarction
- Pulmonary oedema
- Respiratory disorders
- Sepsis
- Skin reactions
- Sneezing
- Tachycardia
Precautions
- Informed consent should be obtained and documented.
- Patients should be advised to seek medical attention if signs or symptoms suggestive of tuberculosis occur (e.g., persistent cough, weight loss, subfebrile temperature).
- Patients and carers should be counselled on the effects on driving and performance of skilled tasks due to the increased risk of dizziness and drowsiness.
Pregnancy
Use with caution; weigh benefits against risks.
Breast-feeding
Use with caution; limited data available.
Storage
Store in a refrigerator (2°C to 8°C). Protect from light.
Formulations
- Basiliximab 10 mg powder and solvent for solution for injection
- Basiliximab 20 mg powder and solvent for solution for injection
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.
This drug in other countries
The same active ingredient registered across other registries we cover - including different brands.