Antivenoms 1295
Adults and children:
12,000 U by slow
IV infusion diluted 1 in 10 in Hartmann’s
solution or normal saline, repeated if
necessary. Individuals with severe systemic
envenoming may require up to 8 vials.
Action
Antivenomeffectiveagainstvenomoftaipan
snake (
Oxyuranus scutellatus
,
Oxyuranus
microlepidotus
,
Oxyuranus scutellatus canni)
.
Route Onset
Peak
Duration
IV
Unknown Unknown Unknown
Adverse reactions
CNS:
headache.
GI:
abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting.
Skin:
injection site reaction, urticaria, rash.
Musculoskeletal:
chest pain, myalgia.
Other:
allergic reactions,
anaphylaxis
,
delayed serum sickness
, chills, pyrexia.
Interactions
None reported.
Contraindications
Should not be used unless there is evidence
of systemic envenoming with potential for
serious toxic effects.
care considerations
• Taipan venom contains neurotoxin that
causes respiratory paralysis, myolytic
toxin and coagulant, which converts
prothrombin to thrombin, which in turn
produces a secondary afibrinogenaemia
with resultant haemorrhage. Myolytic toxin
causes myalgia, muscle weakness, trismus,
ptosis, ophthalmoplegia, hyperkalaemia
and renal failure in severe cases.
• Monitor vital signs, neurological and
mental status and evidence of respiratory
depression.
• Monitor FBC, platelets, INR and aPTT on
presentation, immobilisation (if used) and
6 hours thereafter.
• Monitor for signs and symptoms of
bleeding (bruising, bleeding fromgums and
venepuncturesites,epistaxis,gastrointestinal
bleeding, haematuria, altered mental status
suggesting intracranial haemorrhage).
• Monitor renal function, urine output,
serum electrolytes and urinalysis.
• 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,
individuals 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 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.
tiger snake antivenom
Tiger Snake Antivenom Concentrate
for Infusion
Pregnancy risk category NR
Use in sport: Permitted
Available form
Solution for injection: 3
000 U/vial
