1294 Miscellaneous drug categories
Reactions may be
common
, uncommon,
life-threatening
, or
commonandlife-threatening.
Indications & dosages
➤
Treatment of systemic envenoming from
stonefish—
Adults:
Dose depends on number of visible
puncture sites:
1–2 sites—2000 U (1 vial)
3–4 sites—4000 U (2 vials)
5 or more sites—6000 U (3 vials)
Usually administered IM; however, may be
administered by IV infusion in extremely
severe cases.
Action
Antivenom effective against venom of
stonefish (
Synanceia verrucosa
and/or
Synanceia horrida
) found in Australian
tropical waters.
Route Onset
Peak
Duration
IV
Unknown Unknown Unknown
IM Unknown
Unknown Unknown
Adverse reactions
Skin:
injection site reaction, urticaria, rash.
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
• Stonefish venom contains an enzyme
causing extensive local oedema, as well
as systemic effects including pulmonary
oedema, bradycardia, arrhythmias, fever,
hypotension, muscle weakness and
paralysis.
• As the toxin is heat-labile, immersion
of the limb in hot water (50
°
C) should be
undertaken first as this usually gives some
pain relief. The temperature of the water
should be judged by the attendant to avoid
scalding.
• Injection of local anaesthetic around the
sting or a regional block may help reduce
the pain.
• 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 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 for at least 6
hours after administering 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.
taipan antivenom
Taipan Antivenom
Pregnancy risk category NR
Use in sport: Permitted
Available form
Solution for injection:
12,000 U/vial
Indications & dosages
➤
Treatment of systemic envenoming from
taipanbite—
