Indicated for: viper bite; envenomation
Route of administration: injectable
Substance: antivenom (therapeutic serum)
ATC: J06AA03 (Antiinfectives for systemic use | Immune sera)
Antivenom serum is a product derived from the plasma of animals (usually horses) immunized against viper venom. It is used to treat viper bites by neutralizing the toxic effects of the venom and preventing severe complications such as kidney failure, coagulopathy, shock, or tissue necrosis.
The antivenom serum is administered intravenously, typically in specialized medical facilities, under strict medical supervision. The dosage is determined based on the severity of the envenomation, the patient's symptoms, and the specific type of viper involved.
Side effects may include allergic reactions such as skin rashes, itching, fever, or, in rare cases, anaphylactic reactions. Serum sickness, a delayed reaction characterized by fever, joint pain, and skin rashes, may also occur days or weeks after administration.
Antivenom serum is a life-saving treatment in cases of severe envenomation, but its use requires careful monitoring to manage potential adverse effects. It is crucial for patients to seek immediate medical attention after a viper bite, and the serum should only be administered by qualified medical personnel.