Rabies vaccine (inactivated)
Rabies vaccine is a vaccine found in 1 medicine sold in India, such as Chirorab (Rabipur). Below: what it is for, how it works, how to take it, side effects, interactions and pregnancy advice.
Also called: rabies vaccine, anti rabies vaccine, arv
What it is used for
Prevents rabies after a dog, cat or monkey bite or scratch, and before exposure for people at risk.
How it works
An inactivated vaccine that teaches the body to fight the rabies virus. After an animal bite it, with immunoglobulin for deep bites, prevents rabies, which is otherwise almost always fatal.
How to take it
After a bite: wash the wound with soap and running water for 15 minutes, then get vaccinated the same day. Usual schedule days 0, 3, 7 and 14 (or 28), into the arm muscle or skin. Complete all doses.
Common side effects
- Sore arm
- Headache
- Mild fever
Get medical help straight away if
Allergic reaction soon after the dose
Be careful
Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms start: wash the wound for 15 minutes with soap and water and complete every dose on schedule. Deep bites also need rabies immunoglobulin.
Other medicines and interactions
Steroids and immune-suppressing medicines can weaken the response; antimalarial chloroquine can too for skin doses.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Should always be given after a possible exposure, including in pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
Brands of Rabies vaccine (1)
Common questions
What is Rabies vaccine used for?
Prevents rabies after a dog, cat or monkey bite or scratch, and before exposure for people at risk.
How does Rabies vaccine work?
An inactivated vaccine that teaches the body to fight the rabies virus. After an animal bite it, with immunoglobulin for deep bites, prevents rabies, which is otherwise almost always fatal.
How should I take Rabies vaccine?
After a bite: wash the wound with soap and running water for 15 minutes, then get vaccinated the same day. Usual schedule days 0, 3, 7 and 14 (or 28), into the arm muscle or skin. Complete all doses.
What are the side effects of Rabies vaccine?
Common: Sore arm, headache, mild fever. Get help straight away for: Allergic reaction soon after the dose.
Does Rabies vaccine interact with other medicines?
Steroids and immune-suppressing medicines can weaken the response; antimalarial chloroquine can too for skin doses.
Is Rabies vaccine safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding?
Should always be given after a possible exposure, including in pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
Does Rabies vaccine need a prescription in India?
Yes. In India it is a prescription (Schedule H) medicine, so a pharmacist should sell it only with a doctor's prescription.
Which brands contain Rabies vaccine?
Chirorab (Rabipur).
Sources and further reading
- Rabies vaccine (inactivated): NHS · MedlinePlus
NHS (UK National Health Service) and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) are free, reviewed medicine guides. Brand names and doses there may differ from India.
Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu from standard prescribing information.
🔎 Search another medicine