Antivenoms 1291
Patient teaching
• Advise person of risk of possible infectious
disease transmission as venom is sourced
from horse serum.
• Instruct person to report any adverse
effects—such as shortness of breath,
itching, skin swelling, fever or chest pain—
immediately.
funnel-web spider antivenom
Funnel-Web Spider Antivenom
Pregnancy risk category NR
Use in sport: Permitted
Available form
Powder for injection:
125 U/vial
Indications & dosages
➤
Treatment of systemic envenoming from
funnel-webspiderbite—
Adults and children:
250 U by slow IV
injection. Each vial should be reconstituted
in 10mL water for injections BP; repeat after
15 minutes if required.
IV administration
• To prepare IV injection, dilute calculated
dose in water for injections.
• Swirl gently to fully dissolve powder.
• A clear to slightly opalescent colourless
solution should be achieved in 10 minutes.
• Solution should be used immediately.
• Administer by slow IV injection.
Action
Antivenom. Purified immunoglobulin
sourcedfromrabbitplasma,effectiveagainst
venomof funnel-web spider
(Atraxrobustus).
Route Onset
Peak
Duration
IV
Unknown Unknown Unknown
Adverse reactions
Skin:
urticaria, rash.
Musculoskeletal:
chest pain, myalgia.
Other:
allergic reactions,
anaphylaxis
,
delayed serum sickness
.
Interactions
None reported.
Contraindications
Should not be used unless there is evidence
of systemic envenoming with potential for
serious toxic effects.
care considerations
• As product is sourced from rabbit plasma,
potential for transmission of infectious
disease cannot be ruled out.
• Not administered by IM injection.
• Venom detection kits should be used to
detect and identify specific venom at the
bite site or in urine where possible.
• Anaphylactic reactions may be more
likely in individuals who are atopic or have
previously received rabbit serum.
• Although considered controversial, indi
viduals at risk of anaphylactic reactions may
be givenpremedicationwith adrenaline and
antihistamine.
• Have adrenaline 1:1000 available in case
of anaphylactic reaction.
• Severe cases should be managed in
intensive care unit.
• Monitor for delayed serum sickness
within 8–13 days after the administration
of antivenom, manifestedby albuminaemia,
arthralgia, fever, lymphadenopathy and skin
eruptions.
• Monitor the person closely after admin
istering antivenom.
Patient teaching
• Advise person of risk of possible infectious
disease transmission as venom is sourced
from rabbit serum.
• Instruct person to report any adverse
effects—such as shortness of breath,
itching, skin swelling, fever or chest pain—
immediately.
