ABSTRACT
This chapter presents classification & mode of action, indications & dermatological uses, formulations/presentation, dosages & suggested regimens, baseline investigations, considerations & monitoring, contraindications, cautions, important drug interactions, adverse effects & their management, use in special situations, and essential patient information of Rituximab. Rituximab is a chimeric, murine–human monoclonal antibody of immunoglobulin G1 subclass directed against the B-lymphocyte specific antigen CD20 expressed only by pre-B and mature B-cells. Haematopoietic stem cells and plasma cells lack the CD20 antigen and are therefore not affected by rituximab treatment. The fragment antigen-binding domain of rituximab binds to the CD20 antigen on B-lymphocytes and the Fc domain recruits immune effector cells that mediate B-cell lysis. Rituximab has been widely used in the treatment of B-cell malignancies with use in over a million patients. Rituximab should be administered under close supervision in a setting with full resuscitation facilities.
