Generic
Snake Venom Antiserum
1 brands available in the market
At a glance
Snake Venom Antiserum is used for the treatment of snake bites. It neutralizes the harmful effects of snake venom. It is indicated for bites by Cobra, Common Krait, Russell's Viper, and Saw-Scaled Viper.
Description
Snake Venom Antiserum is a refined and concentrated preparation of immunoglobulin fragments F(ab')2 obtained from the plasma of healthy equines hyperimmunized against the venoms of the above snake species. It neutralizes unbound circulating snake venom components in the body.
Indications
- Bite by Cobra (Naja naja)
- Bite by Common Krait (Bungarus caeruleus)
- Bite by Russell's Viper (Vipera russelli)
- Bite by Saw-Scaled Viper (Echis carinatus)
Therapeutic class
Vaccines, Anti-sera & Immunoglobulin
Pharmacological class
Antivenom
Pharmacology
Snake Venom Antiserum binds to snake venom components and neutralizes them. It contains F(ab')2 immunoglobulin fragments that bind to antigenic sites on snake venom, inhibiting their biological activity (neurotoxins, hemotoxins) and facilitating their elimination from the body.
Mechanism of action
Neutralizes the harmful effects of snake venom by binding to venom components.
Dosage
Initial Dose (IV Infusion):
- Adults and children: 5-10 vials slow IV infusion (not more than 2 ml/min) or diluted in normal/glucose saline at 5-10 ml/kg body weight over 1 hour
- Additional 5-10 vials if WBCT shows coagulopathy after 6 hours (hemotoxic) or symptoms persist after 1 hour (neurotoxic)
- Total dose: 15-20 vials in most cases
Administration
- Slow IV infusion only
- Dilute appropriately with saline
- Do not administer IM or locally around the bite wound
- Keep adrenaline ready for anaphylaxis
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, consult your doctor.
Side effects
Side Effects:
- Early or delayed allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)
- Breathlessness
- Decreased blood pressure
- Joint pain
- Serum sickness
- Shock, hives
Precautions & warnings
- Caution in known hypersensitivity to product constituents
- Avoid IM injections in hemotoxic bites (until coagulopathy corrected)
- Release tourniquets slowly after starting antivenom
- Monitor vital signs frequently
Contraindications
No known contraindications (pregnancy is not a contraindication in snake bite)
Drug interactions
- With β-adrenergic blockers: Increased risk of acute anaphylaxis severity
Food interactions
Alcohol consumption is not relevant (emergency treatment).
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: Pregnancy is not a contraindication; use if needed; consult your doctor.
Pregnancy Category: C — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Use in Lactation: Information not available; use if needed; consult your doctor.
Pediatric use
Children receive the same dose as adults
Geriatric use
Applicable for elderly
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal Impairment: Safe in kidney disease; dose adjustment may not be needed; consult your doctor.
Hepatic Impairment: Safe in liver disease; dose adjustment may not be needed; consult your doctor.
Overdose effects
Overdose may increase risk of allergic reactions; provide symptomatic treatment.
Storage conditions
Lyophilized preparation is stable at room temperature; store in a cool and dark place; avoid excessive heat.
Chemical structure
Snake Venom Antiserum