What is Rotateq: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Rotateq overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Rotarix, RotaTeq

Generic Names:

  • Rotateq

Uses:

  • Prevents rotavirus infection in infants and children.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Vaccine

Forms:

  • Liquid

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Rotateq used for?

Rotateq is an oral vaccine made from both human and animal sources. It is prescribed for babies and young children for the prevention of rotavirus. Rotavirus can affect the digestive system, causing severe stomach illnesses such as diarrhoea and vomiting.

What form(s) does Rotateq come in

  • Liquid

What are common Rotateq doses?

  • Plas Cont 2ML of

Common Rotateq prescriptions

  • RotaTeq
    2ml of plas cont

How to take Rotateq

  • A nurse or other trained health professional will give your child this vaccine. It is given by mouth.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Missed dose: This vaccine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If your child misses a scheduled dose, call right away for another appointment.

  • A nurse or other trained health professional will give your child this vaccine. It is given by mouth.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Missed dose: This vaccine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If your child misses a scheduled dose, call right away for another appointment.

What to do if you miss a dose of Rotateq

Rotateq contraindications

  • This vaccine is not right for every child. Your child should not receive this vaccine if he or she has had an allergic reaction to live rotavirus vaccine, has severe combined immunodeficiency disease (SCID), has a history of intussusception (a serious bowel problem), or was born with digestive problems that may cause intussusception, including a blocked bowel.

Rotateq warnings

  • The vaccine applicator may contain natural latex rubber. Tell your child's doctor if your child has had an allergic reaction to latex rubber.

  • Tell your child's doctor if your child has a weak immune system, HIV or AIDS, cancer, or has received a blood transfusion or blood products within the past 6 weeks. Tell your child's doctor if your child spends time with a person who has immune system problems or is receiving cancer treatment.

  • Tell your child's doctor if your child has diarrhea, vomiting, or a fever. Your doctor may wait until your child is well before giving him the vaccine.

  • The vaccine may not protect every child who receives it from rotavirus infection.

Rotateq interactions

  • Some medicines can affect how live rotavirus vaccine works. Tell your child's doctor if your child is receiving a treatment that may weaken the immune system, including steroid medicine (including cortisone, methylprednisone, prednisone, dexamethasone, hydrocortisone), radiation treatment, or medicine to treat cancer.

  • Tell your child's doctor if your child has diarrhea, vomiting, or a fever. Your doctor may wait until your child is well before giving him the vaccine.

  • The vaccine applicator may contain natural latex rubber. Tell your child's doctor if your child has had an allergic reaction to latex rubber.

  • The vaccine may not protect every child who receives it from rotavirus infection.

Rotateq side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Fever, diarrhea, vomiting, red or black stools, severe stomach pain

  • Loss of appetite

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Cough or runny nose

  • Fussiness or irritability

  • Loss of appetite

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