Rotarix: A Medically Cited Article Covering Uses, Dosage, Demographics, Side Effects, Interactions, and Generic Options Rotarix is an oral vaccine that is designed to protect children against rotavirus infection. It contains live attenuated virus that is derived from the human rotavirus strain G1P[8]. The vaccine was first developed by GlaxoSmithKline, a British pharmaceutical company, and was approved for use in the United States by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2008. Uses Rotarix is primarily used for the prevention of rotavirus infection in children. The virus is a common cause of gastroenteritis, a condition that results in vomiting and diarrhea. Rotavirus infection can be severe and can lead to dehydration, hospitalization, and even death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), before the introduction of rotavirus vaccines, rotavirus was responsible for an estimated 200,000 emergency department visits, 55,000 to 70,000 hospitalizations, and 20 to 60 deaths among children under the age of 5 in the United States annually. Dosage Rotarix is given in two doses orally. The vaccine is typically administered to infants at 2 and 4 months of age, although it can be given to infants up to 24 weeks of age. Each dose of Rotarix is 1 mL and should be administered by placing the dose directly into the infant’s mouth. Demographics Rotarix is approved for use in infants between the ages of 6 weeks and 24 weeks. The vaccine is recommended for routine use in all infants in the United States, although it is especially recommended for infants who are at increased risk for rotavirus infection, such as those who attend daycare or have a history of frequent gastrointestinal illness. Side Effects The side effects of Rotarix are generally mild and do not last long. Common side effects include irritability, fussiness, diarrhea, and vomiting. These side effects usually occur within a few days of receiving the vaccine and generally resolve on their own. In very rare cases, there have been reports of intussusception, a condition in which a segment of the intestine folds into itself, after vaccination with Rotarix. The risk of intussusception is very low, estimated at about 1 or 2 cases per 100,000 vaccine doses. Interactions Rotarix may interact with other vaccines, especially if they are given at the same time. It is important to inform the healthcare professional administering the vaccine of all other vaccines that the infant has already received or plans to receive. Generic Options There are no generic options for Rotarix at this time. However, there is another rotavirus vaccine, RotaTeq, which was approved by the FDA in 2006. RotaTeq is also an oral vaccine and offers protection against 5 strains of rotavirus. It is given in 3 doses at 2, 4, and 6 months of age. Conclusion Rotarix is a safe and effective vaccine that helps protect infants against rotavirus infection. It is recommended for routine use in all infants in the United States, although it is especially recommended for those at increased risk for rotavirus infection. The vaccine is generally well-tolerated, with the most common side effects being mild and short-lived. In very rare cases, there have been reports of intussusception after vaccination, but the risk is very low. Infants who receive the vaccine should also receive all other recommended vaccines according to their age and healthcare providers should be informed of all vaccines the infant has already received or plans to receive.