[Durgical](https://durgical.com/en/) › [DurgiPedia](https://durgical.com/en/durgipedia/) › [Pharmacology](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/) › [Other immunomodulating biologics](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/other-immunomodulating-biologics/) › Basiliximab

[Pharmacology](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/) · [Other immunomodulating biologics](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/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

- Class: [Other immunomodulating biologics](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/other-immunomodulating-biologics/)
- Receptor: IL-2 receptor alpha chain (CD25)
- ATC code: L04AC02

◎**IL-2 receptor alpha chain (CD25)**Basiliximab

ⓘ 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](https://www.rcsb.org/structure/3IU3) · Drag to rotate · pinch to zoom

## 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.

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

## Pharmacokinetics

**Absorption**
Intravenous only; two doses around the transplant

**Metabolism**
Broken down like other antibodies

## Indications

- Prevention of acute rejection in kidney transplantation, with other immunosuppressants [Kidney transplant rejection →](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/kidney-transplant-rejection/)

## Adverse effects

### Common

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

### Serious (rare, important)

- Severe hypersensitivity and anaphylaxis: hives, wheezing, fast heartbeat, fainting
- Infections
- Cancer, as with other transplant immunosuppression

## 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.

## Memory aid

BASILIXimab: the BASE of kidney-transplant induction — it eXcludes IL-2 from CD25.

## 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)](https://durgical.app/estudiar/?add=/en/pharmacology/basiliximab/)

## Related drugs

- [Abatacept](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/abatacept/)
- [Belimumab](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/belimumab/)

## Related conditions

- [Kidney transplant rejection](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/kidney-transplant-rejection/)

[← Back to the class: Other immunomodulating biologics](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/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](https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a612013.html) (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](https://atcddd.fhi.no/atc_ddd_index/?code=L04AC02) (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.

---
Source: https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/basiliximab/
License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/basiliximab/