Antivenom, also known as antivenin, venom antiserum, and antivenom immunoglobulin, is a specific treatment for envenomation. It is composed of antibodies and used to treat certain venomous bites and stings. Antivenoms are recommended only if there is significant toxicity or a high risk of toxicity.
Medical uses
Antivenom is used to treat certain venomous bites and stings. They are recommended only if there is significant toxicity or a high risk of toxicity. The specific antivenom needed depends on the venomous species involved.
In the US, approved antivenom, including for pit viper (rattlesnake, copperhead and water moccasin) snake bite, is based on a purified product made in sheep known as CroFab.
What is the best medicine for snake bite?
Antivenom is the only effective antidote for snake venom.
Mechanism
Antivenoms act by binding to and neutralizing venoms. The principle of antivenom is based on that of vaccines,
however, instead of inducing immunity in the person directly, it is induced in a host animal and the hyperimmunized serum is transfused into the person.The host animals may include horses, donkeys, goats, sheep, rabbits, chickens, llamas, and camels. In addition, opossums are being studied for antivenom production.
Side effects
Antivenoms are purified from animal serum by several processes and may contain other serum proteins that can act as immunogens.
Some individuals may react to the antivenom with an immediate hypersensitivity reaction (anaphylaxis) or a delayed hypersensitivity (serum sickness) reaction, and antivenom should, therefore, be used with caution. Although rare, severe hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis to antivenin are possible.
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