ANTIVENIN (CROTALIDAE) POLYVALENT, ANTIVENIN (MICRURUS FULVIAS) CORAL SNAKE
NOTE: The location of antivenins for rare species and the telephone numbers for envenomation experts is available from the Arizona Poison Control Center: (602) 626-6061.
Chemistry - These products are concentrated serum globulins obtained from horses immunizedwith the venoms of several types of snakes. They are provided as refined, lyophilized product with asuitable diluent.
Antivenin can be very expensive. One 10 ml vial of Crotalidae antivenin approved for use in dogscosts approximately $100. The coral snake product (for human use) cost is >$150 per vial and totreat a coral snake bite may require 5 or more vials. Because of the high cost, not being returnablefor credit, and potential adverse effects, veterinary practices need to assess all factors beforestocking and using these products.
Contraindications/Precautions - The coral snake antivenin will not neutralize M euryxanthus(Sonoran or Arizona Coral Snake) venom. Because there is a risk of anaphylaxis occurring secondary to the horse serum, many recommend perform sensitivity testing before administration.
Chemistry - These products are concentrated serum globulins obtained from horses immunizedwith the venoms of several types of snakes. They are provided as refined, lyophilized product with asuitable diluent.
Storage, Stability, Compatibility
Do not store above 98°F (37°C). The coral snake productshould be stored in the refrigerator.Pharmacology - ANTIVENIN (CROTALIDAE) POLYVALENT, ANTIVENIN (MICRURUS FULVIAS) CORAL SNAKE
Antivenins act by neutralizing the venoms (complex proteins) in patients viapassive immunization of globulins obtained from horses immunized with the venom.Uses, Indications
These products are indicated for the treatment of envenomation from mostvenomous snakes found in North America (not Sonoran or Arizona Coral Snake) causing serioussystemic toxicity or potential serious toxicity in domestic animals. There is a fair amount of controversy with regard to these products' use in domestic animals. The risks of administration (e.g., anaphylaxis¯see below) may outweigh their potential benefits in certain circumstances. However, these agents can be life-saving when given early in select situations. Many factors contribute to thepotential for toxicity (victim's size and general health, bite site(s), number of bites, age, species and size of snake, etc.).Antivenin can be very expensive. One 10 ml vial of Crotalidae antivenin approved for use in dogscosts approximately $100. The coral snake product (for human use) cost is >$150 per vial and totreat a coral snake bite may require 5 or more vials. Because of the high cost, not being returnablefor credit, and potential adverse effects, veterinary practices need to assess all factors beforestocking and using these products.
Contraindications/Precautions - The coral snake antivenin will not neutralize M euryxanthus(Sonoran or Arizona Coral Snake) venom. Because there is a risk of anaphylaxis occurring secondary to the horse serum, many recommend perform sensitivity testing before administration.