Antivenom

Antivenom Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Food Interaction and all others data.

Snake venom antiserum is a sterile preparation containing antitoxin globulins and their derivatives. It is the only specific treatment for venomous snake bites.

Trade Name Antivenom
Generic Snake Venom Antiserum
Type Injection, Intravenous Powder For Injection, Centruroides Scorpion
Therapeutic Class Vaccines, Anti-sera & Immunoglobulin
Manufacturer Incepta Pharmaceuticals Limited, Aci Limited
Available Country Bangladesh, United States
Last Updated: September 19, 2023 at 7:00 am
Antivenom
Antivenom

Uses

Antivenom lyophilized is a refined and concentrated preparation of serum globulins for intravenous administration, containing equine immunoglobulin fragments F(ab') 2 , obtained from the plasma of healthy equines, hyperimmunized against venoms of above species of snakes. In addition, it also contains the anti-microbial agent: cresol.

Each vial contains lyophilized preparation of Antivenom. After reconstitution each ml Antivenom neutralizes not less than Cobra venom (Naja naja) 0.60 mg, Common Krait venom (Bungarus caeruleus) 0.45 mg, Russell's Viper venom (Vipera russelli) 0.60 mg, Saw scaled Viper venom (Echis carinatus) 0.45 mg.

Antivenom is used for bites caused by Cobra, Common Krait, Russell's Viper and Saw-Scaled Viper, where the patient presents with one or more of fallowing visible clinical signs and symptoms of envenomation –

Local envenomation-

  • Presence of bite marks with or without oozing of blood, blistering and change in color of skin.
  • Rapidly progressive or massive swelling involving more than half of the bitten limb within few hours of bite (without tourniquet)
  • Development of enlarged tender lymph nodes draining the bitten part within couple of hours after bite

Systemic envenomation-

  • Neurotoxic syndrome- signs of neuro-paralysis like blurring of vision, double vision, and difficulty in swallowing, sleepy feeling, drooping of head, slurring of speech and the voice may become indistinct with shallow breathing, ptosis, ataxia, respiratory paralysis and generalized flaccid paralysis.
  • Hemotoxic syndrome- spontaneous systemic bleeding, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and abdominal tenderness suggestive of gastro-intestinal or retro-peritoneal bleed and/or renal damage, coagulopathy detected by 20 min WBCT with or without external bleeding and shock.

Immediate actions and first aid: Quick and positive measures should be taken to meet the emergency. Do not try to catch or kill the snake without proper tools and avoid unnecessary exposure to snack. Patient should be removed to a well-ventilated and quiet place and restrict his/her movement. Patient should be reassured to overcome fear. Immobilize the bitten part by applying immobilization bandage as done for a fracture and bitten part is kept below heart level. Ligation by applying tourniquets should be avoided, however, if applied it should be tied at moderate distance above the bitten part to prevent the entry of venom into the circulation. Patient should be immediately taken to nearby medical centre for treatment without loss of time.

Dosage

Antivenom dosage

As of now Snake venom antiserum is the only specific antidote for snake envenomation and prompt administration of adequate dose of Antiserum is of paramount importance for neutralization of unbound circulating snake venom components for early response to treatment. Any delay in administration may result in increased dose requirement and decreased effectiveness. As the clinical signs can vary due to many factors such as type of snake, time of reporting after bite, size of snake, amount of venom injected during bite, seasonal & regional variation in venom composition etc., no accurate dosage can be recommended.

However, considering the average quantity of venom injected by snake at the time of bite and degree of envenomation, it is recommended to administer initial dose of 5-10 vials of Snake venom antiserum by slow intravenous infusion either undiluted at a speed of not more than 2 ml per minute or after dilution with Normal /glucose saline at a rate of 5-10 ml/kg body weight over one hour. Children should receive the same dose as adults. Constant monitoring of the vital signs at frequent intervals during initial 1 hour is recommended. Requirement of further dosing depends on extent ofreversal of coagulopathy confirmed after 6 hours of Antiserum administration by WBCT in haemotoxic bite or if symptoms persist or worsen or in respiratory failure in neurotoxic bite after 1 hour of Antiserum administration.

If the blood is still in coagulable or no signs of reversal of paralysis are seen, a further dose of 5 to 10 vials of Antiserum should be administered by slow IV route only. Administration by IM or locally around the bite wound is not recommended. In the majority of cases of both neurotoxic and haemotoxic bites, total dose of 15-20 vials is adequate unless a proven recurrence of envenomation is established. In such a scenario, further doses can be given as per clinical condition of the patient. Hypersensitivity skin test has no predictability value and hence should not be used.

To reconstitute the Antivenom, transfer content of supplied diluents into the vial containing lyophilized preparation. Mix the contents gently by swirling action and avoid vigorous shaking. Serum should be used as soon as possible after reconstitution.

Side Effects

Snake venom antiserum being derived from equines is heterologous to human can give either early or late reaction. Adrenaline should be always kept handy, before starting the dose of Snake venom antiserum. Reduction in adverse reactions has been reported by use of adequate dilution of Snake venom antiserum with saline and controlling rate of infusion.

Precaution

Proper skin test should be done prior to parenteral admin of the antivenom to identify risk of anaphylaxis.

Interaction

Risk of increased severity of acute anaphylaxis when used with β-adrenergic blockers.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding use

Considering the risk associated with snake bite envenomation, pregnancy is not a contraindication for the administration of Antivenom subsequent to bite.

Contraindication

There are no known contraindications for the administration of Snake venom antiserum. Proper precautions are necessary while dealing with persons with a known hypersensitivity to constituents of product. Few doctors prefer to premedicate patients with Inj. Adrenaline 0.25 ml s/c to prevent possibility of adverse reactions. In haemotoxic bites, IM injections should be avoided till correction of coagulopathy to avoid formation of haematoma and oozing of blood. In patients having tourniquet, it should be released slowly only after start of Snake venom antiserum administration.

Storage Condition

Lyophilized Snake venom antiserum is stable at room temperature and does not require special storage facilities. Ideally, it should be stored in a cool & dark place and do not expose to excessive heat.

Innovators Monograph

You find simplified version here Antivenom

FAQ

What is Antivenom used for?

Antivenom lyophilized is a refined and concentrated preparation of serum globulins for intravenous administration .Antivenom can also be used for the treatment of thrombosis, arthritis, cancer and many other diseases.

How does Antivenom work in the body?

Antivenom acts to neutralize the poisonous venom of the cobra and causes the venom to be released from the receptor site. Thus, the receptor sites that were previously blocked by venom are now free to interact with the acetylcholine molecule, and normal respiration resumes.

How does Antivenom work?

Antivenom works by catalyzing the cleavage of internal glycoside bonds and mucopolysaccharides.

What are the common side effects of Antivenom?

The common side effects of Antivenom are include: serum sickness, shortness of breath, and allergic reactions including anaphylaxis

Is Antivenom safe during pregnancy?

The current available evidence suggests that antivenom use is safe in pregnancy and that what is good for the mother is good for the fetus. Further research is needed to clarify the optimal management schema for envenomation in pregnancy.

Is Antivenom safe during breastfeeding?

Antivenom is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless necessary.

How long does it take for snake venom to leave my system?

you'll reach medical help within 30 minutes of being bitten. If the bite is left untreated, your bodily functions will break down over a period of 2 or 3 days and the bite may result in severe organ damage or death.

Is injecting snake venom good for me?

The health benefits of snake venom are still being researched.The Guardian states that the properties found in snake venom has been used to try to combat cancer cell growth. French scientists also report they have found a potential painkiller in the venom of the black mamba.

How is snake venom injected?

Many venomous snakes have long, hollow fangs through which venom can be injected directly into prey. When a snake uses its fangs to bite, muscles force venom from its storage glands through a duct into the hollow fang. Tiny holes at the ends of the fangs eject the venom directly into prey.


*** Taking medicines without doctor's advice can cause long-term problems.
Share