DurgicalDurgical
EN
Open the app

Pharmacology · Other immunomodulating biologics

Basiliximab !

An antibody against the IL-2 receptor (CD25), given intravenously around kidney transplant surgery to prevent early rejection.

Updated 2026-11-01

The figure shows the Fab fragment of basiliximab bound to the extracellular domain of IL-2 receptor alpha (CD25).

Target in 3D: IL-2 receptor alpha chain (CD25). PDB structure 3IU3 (RCSB PDB, public domain). View the structure at RCSB PDB

Mechanism of action

Basiliximab is a chimeric (mouse-human) monoclonal antibody against CD25, the alpha chain of the high-affinity IL-2 receptor, which appears only on activated T cells. Blocking it stops IL-2 from driving the clonal expansion of T cells that recognise the new kidney, during the period when rejection risk is highest.

  1. Antibody binds CD25 on activated T cells
  2. IL-2 cannot use its high-affinity receptor
  3. Alloreactive T cells do not expand

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption
Intravenous only; two doses around the transplant
Metabolism
Broken down like other antibodies

Indications

Adverse effects

Common

  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea or constipation
  • Swelling of the hands, feet or legs
  • Headache, tremor, trouble sleeping

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to basiliximab

Key interactions

Other transplant immunosuppressants (ciclosporin, mycophenolate, glucocorticoids)
Used together on purpose; infection risk adds up.
Vaccines
Not given without the team's review.

What is monitored

  • Vital signs and allergic symptoms during and after each dose
  • Urine output and kidney graft function
  • Signs of infection

Administration and safety

  • The powder is mixed with water and given intravenously by staff in hospital.
  • Emergency drugs for anaphylaxis are at hand.
  • Previous basiliximab treatment is recorded before the dose.

Nursing care

  • Ask about previous basiliximab treatment and allergies before the first dose.
  • Watch closely for hives, wheezing, fast heartbeat or low blood pressure during the dose.
  • Record urine output and report decreasing urine or weight gain with swelling.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Pregnancy is avoided; contraception is used before, during and for 4 months after treatment.

Test yourself

Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.

Why does basiliximab act mainly on activated T cells?

Its target CD25 (IL-2 receptor alpha) is expressed when T cells are activated.

In which transplant is basiliximab used?

Kidney transplantation, as induction to prevent acute rejection.

Which serious reaction is watched for during a basiliximab dose?

Severe hypersensitivity, including anaphylaxis.

Add to my cards (3)

← Back to the class: Other immunomodulating biologics

Educational content on how drugs work; not a prescribing guide and no substitute for a health professional's advice. No doses are given.

Sources: Basiliximab Injection: MedlinePlus Drug Information (MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2012); Goodman & Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 14th ed., ch. 39 (McGraw Hill, 2023); ATCDDD - ATC/DDD Index (WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology, 2026).

Spotted a mistake?We are always improving for the community. Tell us what is wrong and our team will review it.Report a mistake

Representative model, for educational purposes only.