Snake Venom Antiserum is also known as Antivenom, venom antiserum, or antivenom immunoglobulin. This is a medication made from antibodies which are used to treat certain venomous bites and stings.
snake venom antiserum (African) is a sterile preparation that contains equine immunoglobulin fragments F(ab)2.
This venom has a capacity of specifically neutralizing the venoms of the following species of snakes.
- Naja melanoleuca venom,
- Naja nigricollis venom.
- Naja haje venom.
- Dendroaspis polylepis venom.
- Dendroaspis viridis venom
- Dendroaspis jamesoni venom
- Bitis gabonica venom.
- Bitis arietans venom.
- Echis leucogaster venom.
- Echis ocellatus venom.
The anti-toxic equine immunoglobulins and their derivatives are obtained from the serum of healthy equines immunized against venoms of above species of snakes.
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics for this snake venom antiserum is not applicable.
Reconstitution of lyophilized serum.
The antiserum is supplied in a freezed dried form. The freeze-dried powder is reconstituted with 10 ml of sterile water for injection. The whole content then dissolves to a clear colorless or sometimes pale yellow solution.
Administration and dosage of Snake Venom Antiserum.
The reconstituted antivenom is administered as soon as possible after the snakebite by intravenous injection.
The recommended initial dose is 20 ml by iv infusion. the injection should be given very slowly as a five minute by direct slow intravenous route or one hour by infusion, diluted in 250 ml 5% dextrose or 0.9% sodium chloride.
A second dose may be given after one hour or two if the symptoms continue. Further doses are administered as required.
Contraindications of Snake Venom Antiserum
Injection of snake venom antiserum to people with a history of allergies to equine protein and to individuals with asthma, infantile eczema is contraindicated.
Epinephrine and other supportive measures should be available in case of an anaphylactic reaction.
Interactions with other drugs.
Immunoglobulins may interfere with the ability of other live vaccines to induce an immune response.
Pregnancy.
Pregnancy is not a contraindication to the use of snake venom immunoglobulin (antivenom) unless otherwise clearly indicated.
Lactation.
Breastfeeding is not a contraindication to snake antivenom unless clearly indicated. It is not known if antivenom antibodies are excreted to breast milk.
