1292 Miscellaneous drug categories
Reactions may be
common
, uncommon,
life-threatening
, or
commonandlife-threatening.
redback spider antivenom
Redback Spider Antivenom Solution
for Injection
Pregnancy risk category NR
Use in sport: Permitted
Available form
Solution for infusion:
500 U/vial
Indications & dosages
➤
Treatment of systemic envenoming from
redbackspiderbite—
Adults and children:
500 U by IM injection.
In case of severe envenoming, may be given
by IV injection diluted 1:10 in Hartmann’s
solution. If venom’s effects not completely
reversed after 2 hours, a second injection of
antivenom may be administered.
Action
Antivenom derived from horse plasma,
effective against venom from redback
spider (
Latrodectus hasselti
).
Route Onset
Peak
Duration
IV
Unknown Unknown Unknown
IM Unknown Unknown Unknown
Adverse reactions
CNS:
headache.
Skin:
injection site reaction, urticaria, rash.
Musculoskeletal:
chest pain, myalgia.
Other:
allergic reactions,
anaphylaxis
,
delayed serum sickness
, chills, lympha
denopathy, pyrexia.
Interactions
None reported.
Contraindications
Should not be used unless there is evidence
of systemic envenoming with potential for
serious toxic effects.
care considerations
• The effects of the venom, particularly
severe pain, may persist for days or even
weeks and there are reports of satisfactory
use of the antivenom to alleviate these
symptoms up to 10 days after a confirmed
redback spider bite.
• As product is sourced from horse plasma,
potential for transmission of infectious
disease cannot be ruled out.
• Anaphylactic reactions may be more
likely in individuals who are atopic, have
previously received equine serum or are
receiving antivenom by IV route.
• Although considered controversial, indi
viduals at risk of anaphylactic reactions may
be given premedication with 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 horse serum.
• Instruct person to report any adverse
effects—such as shortness of breath,
itching, skin swelling, fever or chest pain—
immediately.
sea snake antivenom
Sea Snake Antivenom Concentrate
for Infusion
Pregnancy risk category NR
Use in sport: Permitted
Available form
Solution for infusion:
1000 U/vial
