Antimicrobials
Tocilizumab

Tocilizumab

Restricted

N/A
N/A

Spectrum of Activity

Dosing

General Information

For patients with COVID-19 disease within 24 hours of ICU admission and who require ventilation or high-flow oxygen

Known hypersensitivity to tocilizumab or any component of the formulation

  • LFTs

  • CBC

  • Hypersensitivity

Refer to COVID-19 Treatment Algorithm

  • Neutropenia, anemia

  • Hepatotoxicity

  • Hypersensitivity

  • Risk of infection

May enhance the immunosuppressive effect of other immunosuppressants

  • Do not administer to patients with active bacterial infections

  • Avoid in pregnancy

Preparation

  • Prior to administration, dilute to 100 ml by slowly adding to NS or ½ NS.
  • Withdraw equal volume of NS or 1/2 NS to the volume of tocilizumab required for dose; slowly add tocilizumab dose into infusion bag or bottle

Administration

  • Infuse over 60 minutes using a dedicated IV line

Diluent

  • NS or 0.45% NaCl

Mechanism of action: Interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor antagonist leading to reduced cytokines and acute phase reactant production

Average half-life: 11-13 days

Median time to onset: Reduced cytokines in 4 hours

Adapted from the AdventHealth Kansas City Antimicrobial Stewardship Program