Medicine Overview

Indication

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Adult Dose

Clinical InformationAdministration Information
Indication: Snake envenomation
Condition: Initial dose
Dose: Antiserum Injection – 5-10 vials
Frequency: slow intravenous infusion
Note: Administer either undiluted at a speed of not more than 2 ml/minute or after dilution with normal /glucose saline at a rate of 5-10 ml/kg body weight over 1 hour. Constant monitoring of the vital signs at frequent intervals during initial 1 hour is recommended.
Indication: Haemotoxic snake bite
Condition: Confirmation of blood still incoagulable after 6 hours of initial dose
Dose: Antiserum Injection – 5-10 vials
Frequency: slow intravenous route
Note: Requirement of further dosing depends on extent of reversal of coagulopathy confirmed after 6 hours of antiserum administration by 20 minute whole blood clotting test.

Child Dose

Clinical InformationAdministration Information
Indication: Snake envenomation
Age: Pediatric
Dose: Antivenom Injection – 5-10 vials
Frequency: initial dose
Note: Children should receive the same dose as adults. Administer by slow intravenous infusion either undiluted at a speed of not more than 2 ml/minute or after dilution with normal /glucose saline at a rate of 5-10 ml/kg body weight over 1 hour. Constant monitoring of vital signs at frequent intervals during initial 1 hour is recommended.
Indication: Snake envenomation
Age: Pediatric
Condition: Incoagulable blood or no signs of reversal of paralysis after 6 hours for haemotoxic or 1 hour for neurotoxic bite
Dose: Antivenom Injection – 5-10 vials
Frequency: further dose
Note: Administer by slow intravenous route only. Requirement depends on extent of reversal of coagulopathy confirmed after 6 hours of antiserum administration by Whole Blood Clotting Test in haemotoxic bite or if symptoms persist or worsen or in respiratory failure in neurotoxic bite after 1 hour.
Administration
  • Give IV only
  • Give slowly or diluted
Side Effect

Drug Interaction

Drug NameRisk Factors
Sulfonylureas, insulin
Increased risk of hypoglycaemia

Disease Interaction

Disease NameRisk Factors
Equine Antisera Allergy
Risk of severe allergic reaction

Pregnancy

Lactation
Special Use
Precaution
Overdose
Pharmacology
Storage
Lyophilized Snake venom antiserum is stable at room temperature and does not require special storage facilities. Ideally, it should be stored in a cool & dark place and do not expose to excessive heat.

Data Sources

Clinical & regulatory information on this page is compiled from the following government sources:

DISCLAIMER: This drug information content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Patients should always consult their physician with any questions regarding a medical condition and to obtain medical advice and treatment.