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Hepatitis B Immune Globulin

Published: July 26, 2026Updated: August 24, 2026

Hepatitis B Immune Globulin (HBIG) is a blood product containing antibodies against the hepatitis B virus. It provides immediate passive immunity and is used as post-exposure prophylaxis for individuals who have been exposed to hepatitis B, particularly newborns of infected mothers and those with needlestick or sexual exposures. HBIG is typically administered alongside the hepatitis B vaccine for comprehensive protection.

Quick summary

A passive immunization agent providing immediate hepatitis B protection in post-exposure scenarios and for high-risk newborns.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 24, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

ATC
J06BB04
RxNorm
26744
Generic
Hepatitis B Immune Globulin
Class
atc-j06
Brands
Nabi-HB, Hyperhep B, HepaGam B
Availability
rx
Pregnancy
C
Lactation
caution
Routes
—
Forms
prefilled syringe, injection, solution
Regions
US, EU, CN, JP
Monitoring
—

This page is for informational purposes only.

Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.

Dosage and administration

adult (standard)injectable (IM)
Usual dose
0.06 mL/kg (approximately 400-500 IU)
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
single dose post-exposure
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard
pediatric (standard)injectable (IM)
Usual dose
0.06 mL/kg (maximum 500 IU)
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
single dose post-exposure
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard
geriatric (standard)injectable (IM)
Usual dose
0.06 mL/kg (approximately 400-500 IU)
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
single dose post-exposure
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard

Overdose information

Important overdose information
Toxic dose: Single dose exceeding 5000 mg may cause significant adverse effects including volume overload and hypersensitivity reactions
Chronic overdose: Repeated doses exceeding recommended frequency may lead to cumulative immune complex formation
Immediate actions
discontinue infusion, monitor vital signs, maintain airway, intravenous fluids
Antidote
no specific antidote available(treatment is supportive and symptomatic)
Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222

Special Populations

10 groups
⚠

pregnancy

first trimester
caution
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

none recommended

Key Recommendations

use only when clearly needed for post-exposure prophylaxis or if benefits outweigh potential risks

Monitor

standard prenatal monitoring

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

⚠

pregnancy

second trimester
caution
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

none recommended

Key Recommendations

use when needed for exposure or as part of hepatitis B immunization protocol

Monitor

standard prenatal monitoring

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

⚠

pregnancy

third trimester
caution
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

none recommended

Key Recommendations

use when indicated for hepatitis B exposure or prevention

Monitor

standard prenatal monitoring

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

✓

lactation

breastfeeding
safe
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

none recommended

Key Recommendations

compatible with breastfeeding - not expected to be absorbed by infant

Monitor

no specific monitoring required

✓

pediatric_age

neonatal
safe
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

weight-based dosing

Key Recommendations

used for perinatal hepatitis B prevention - administer to newborns of HBsAg-positive mothers within 12 hours of birth

Monitor

monitor for hypersensitivity reactions

✓

pediatric_age

pediatric
safe
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

weight-based dosing

Key Recommendations

used for post-exposure prophylaxis in children following needlestick or sexual exposure

Monitor

monitor for hypersensitivity reactions

⚠

geriatric

elderly
caution
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

none recommended

Key Recommendations

use standard dosing based on indication - consider renal and hepatic function

Monitor

assess renal function before administration

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

✓

renal_impairment

mild to moderate
safe
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

none recommended

Key Recommendations

no dose adjustment needed - not primarily renally cleared

Monitor

standard monitoring

⚠

renal_impairment

severe
caution
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

none recommended

Key Recommendations

use with caution - monitor for fluid overload as product may contain sodium

Monitor

monitor fluid status and renal function

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

✓

hepatic_impairment

liver disease
safe
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

none recommended

Key Recommendations

used for hepatitis B prophylaxis in liver transplant recipients - standard dosing applies

Monitor

standard monitoring for transplant patients

Statistics and clinical data

drug_classWHO
2023

Drug class

Value:Immune globulin

Biological product for passive immunization against Hepatitis B

indicationFDA
2023

Primary indications

Value:Post-exposure prophylaxis, Perinatal transmission prevention, Hepatitis B recurrence prevention post-liver transplant

Therapeutic indications for Hepatitis B Immune Globulin

mechanismFDA
2023

Mechanism of action

Value:Provides passive immunity by neutralizing Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)

Pharmacological mechanism of HBIG

product_examplesFDA
2023

Common brand names

Value:Nabi-HB, Hyperhep B, HepaGam B

Commercially available Hepatitis B Immune Globulin products

Post-exposure prophylaxis following needlestick injuries or sexual contact with hepatitis B-infected individuals; prevention of perinatal transmission from HBV-positive mothers to newborns; protection for unvaccinated individuals with recent exposure to hepatitis B.

Provides passive humoral immunity by supplying pre-formed antibodies against hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), offering immediate but temporary protection while the body develops active immunity through vaccination.

Administered by intramuscular injection; not a substitute for hepatitis B vaccination (both are often given together); derived from human plasma with potential infectious disease risk; effectiveness diminishes with delayed administration; passive antibodies may interfere with live vaccine response.

Contraindications

Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.

Do not use (1)

ABSOLUTEhypersensitivity

Known allergy to this medication or its components

Use caution (1)

RELATIVEpregnancy

Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment

Official drug label

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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy