Doses - ANTIVENIN (CROTALIDAE) POLYVALENT, ANTIVENIN (MICRURUS FULVIAS) CORAL SNAKE

Dogs:

Crotilidae Antivenin: Administer 1-5 rehydrated vials (10-50 ml) IV depending on severityof symptoms, duration of time after the bite, snake size, patient size (smaller the victim, the larger the dose). Additional doses may be given every 2 hours as required. If unableto give IV, may administer IM as close to bite as practical. Give supportive therapy (e.g., corticosteroids, antibiotics, fluid therapy, blood products, and tetanus prophylaxis) asrequired. (Package Insert; Antivenin®¯Fort Dodge)
Coral Snake antivenin (not Sonoran or Arizona variety): After testing for hypersensitivity(see above) give 1-2 vials initially, and more in 4-6 hours if necessary. Therapy is beststarted within 4 hours after envenomation. Supportive care includes broad spectrumantibiotics, fluid therapy and mechanical ventilation if necessary. Corticosteroids are notrecommended. (Marks, Mannella et al. 1990)

Horses:

Crotilidae Antivenin: Use only if necessary to treat systemic effects otherwise avoid use.
Administer 1-2 vials slowly IV diluted in 250-500 ml saline or lactated Ringer's.
Administer antihistamines; corticosteroids are contraindicated.
Coral Snake (not Sonoran or Arizona variety): As above; same cautions. May be used with
Crotilidae antivenin. (Bailey and Garland 1992b)
Species Not Identified:
Crotilidae Antivenin: 1 - 10 vials IV depending on severity of symptoms, time after envenomation, size of animal and snake (5-10 vials usually needed for Eastern
Diamondback Rattlesnake envenomation). Best effects when given within 4 hours of envenomation.
Coral Snake: 1 - 10 vials IV given as soon as possible after envenomation. (Thompson 1992)
Client Information - Clients must be made aware of the potential for anaphylaxis as well as the expenses associated with treatment and associated monitoring and hospitalization.
Dosage Forms/Preparations/FDA Approval Status - Veterinary-Approved Products:
Antivenin (Crotalidae) Polyvalent Equine Origin single dose vial lyophilized; 10 ml diluent.
Antivenin® (Fort Dodge); (Rx) Approved for use in dogs.

Human-Approved Products:

Antivenin (Crotalidae) Polyvalent Equine Origin single dose vial lyophilized; 10 ml diluent.
Includes 1 ml of normal horse serum diluted 1:10 for use for sensitivity testing; Antivenin (Crotalidae) Polyvalent (Wyeth-Ayerst); (Rx)
Antivenin (Micrucus fulvius) single dose vial lyophilized; 10 ml diluent; Antivenin (Micrucus fulvius) (Wyeth-Ayerst); (Rx)