Snake venom antisera: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

Use

What is Snake Venom Antisera for?

Snake venom antiserum is a drug used to treat poison caused by snake bites.

What are the rules for using Snake Venom Antisera?

Snake Venom Antiserum is administered intravenously undiluted at a rate of not more than 1 ml per minute or liquefied in 500 ml of intravenous fluid (Sodium Chloride Injection or 5% Dextrose Injection) and given as quickly as tolerated for 1-2 hours. When defrosting Snake Venom Antiserum, stir it by twisting rather than by shaking to prevent the drug from foaming.

Additional infusions should be repeated every hour until the progressive swelling of the bitten area decreases and systemic signs and symptoms disappear. If sufficient doses are reached, progress in the patient's clinical signs is often seen.

How to save Snake Venom Antisera?

This drug is best stored at 2C - 8C. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Dose

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dose of Snake Venom Antisera for adults?

The starting dose depends on the following envenomation estimates:

• Minimal envenomation - Progressive local swelling but no systemic symptoms. 5 vials (50 ml) are recommended.
• Moderate envenomation - Swelling beyond the bite area, mild systemic symptoms, and / or haematological and coagulation abnormalities occur. 5 - 10 small bottles (50 - 100 ml) are recommended.
• Severe envenomation - Rapidly and extensively progressive local effects, systemic symptoms and evidence of hemolysis or coagulopathy. 10 - 20 small bottles (100 - 200 ml) or more are recommended.

What is the dose of Snake Venom Antisera for children?

In children and small adults (weighing less than 40 kg): up to 50% more doses of Snake Venom Antiserum are recommended.

In what dosage and preparation is Snake Venom Antisera available?

Snake venom antisera is available in the following dosages:
Injection of 10 mL

Side effects

What side effects might occur due to Snake Venom Antisera?

Severe and irreversible adverse effects of Snake Venom Antisera, which can lead to further complications including urticaria, arthritis pain, shock, anaphylactic reactions.

Symptomatic reactions produced by Snake Venom Antisera are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, the reactions can be resolved symptomatically, such as dyspnea, hypotension, serum sickness.

Not everyone experiences the following side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions & Warnings

What should be known before using Snake Venom Antisera?

Before using any drug that is prepared from horse serum, appropriate steps must be taken to detect the presence of dangerous sensitivities.

• Careful examination of the patient's history, including reports of asthma, urticaria or other allergic manifestations.
• Allergic reaction to previous exposure or injection of horse serum.
• A suitability test for detecting sensitivity (skin test) is recommended for each patient before drug administration with any clinical history.

Is Snake Venom Antisera safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women?

There is not yet sufficient information about the safety of using this medicine during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication.

Interaction

What medicines may interact with Snake Venom Antisera?

Although some drugs should not be taken at the same time, in other cases some drugs can also be used together even though interactions may occur. In such cases, the doctor may change the dose, or take other preventive measures as needed. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other over-the-counter or prescription drugs.

The risk of acute anaphylaxis increases when used with β-adrenergic blockers.

Can food or alcohol interact with Snake Venom Antisera?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions may interact with Snake Venom Antisera?

Any other health conditions you have can affect the use of this drug. Always tell your doctor if you have other health problems.

Overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (118/119) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, use it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.