Antivenin (Crotalidae) polyvalent

Generic name: Antivenin (Crotalidae) Polyvalent (AN Tye VEN In (kroe TAL I Dee) POL Ee VAY Lent)
Dosage form: intravenous powder for injection (-; crotalidae polyvalent (ovine))
Drug class: Antitoxins and antivenins

Usage of Antivenin (Crotalidae) polyvalent

Antivenin (Crotalidae) is used in adults and children to treat symptoms of a snake bite from certain species of venomous snakes including rattlesnakes, copperheads, and cottonmouths (Water Moccasins).

Antivenin (Crotalidae) polyvalent may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Antivenin (Crotalidae) polyvalent side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Some side effects may occur during the injection. Tell your medical caregiver if you feel dizzy, nauseated, light-headed, itchy, sweaty, or have a headache, chest tightness, back pain, trouble breathing, or swelling in your face.

Antivenin (Crotalidae) polyvalent may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

bleeding problems--easy bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums), blood in stool, any bleeding that will not stop;

pinpoint purple or red spots under your skin;

fever, swollen glands, joint pain, or not feeling well;

heavy menstrual bleeding; or

itching, rash, or skin redness several days after you were treated with antivenin (Crotalidae).

Common side effects of antivenin (Crotalidae) polyvalent may include:

itching, rash, redness of skin;

headache;

nausea or vomiting;

swelling in your hands or feet;

back, muscle, or joint pain; or

pain in extremities.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Antivenin (Crotalidae) polyvalent

You should not use antivenin (Crotalidae) if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

allergy to papaya or papain, chymopapain, pineapples, sheep, horses, dust mites, or latex.

If possible during an emergency, tell your medical caregivers if you've ever had:

a bleeding or blood clotting disorder;

cancer;

congestive heart failure;

an overactive thyroid;

a connective tissue disease such as Marfan syndrome, Sjogren's syndrome, lupus, scleroderma, or rheumatoid arthritis;

if you are dehydrated;

if you are malnourished; or

liver disease.

Antivenin (Crotalidae) is made from the blood or plasma of healthy horses or sheep. Blood and plasma are tested and treated to reduce the risk of it containing infectious agents, but there is still a small possibility it could transmit disease. Ask your doctor about your individual risk.

It is not known if antivenin (Crotalidae) will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether antivenin (Crotalidae) passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding.

If possible during an emergency, tell your medical caregivers if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Make sure any follow-up doctor knows you received this medicine.

Relate drugs

How to use Antivenin (Crotalidae) polyvalent

Usual Adult Dose for Venomous Snake Bite:

Initial dose: 4 to 6 vials, IV, over 60 minutes: at 25 to 50 mL/hour the first 10 minutes - if no allergic reaction, may increase rate to 250 mL/hourContinue administering 4 to 6 vials, IV, over 60 minutes, every 6 hours for up to 18 hours, until initial control of envenomation is achievedMaintenance dose (after initial envenomation control is achieved): 2 vials, IV, every 6 hours for up to 18 hours (3 doses); additional 2 vial doses may be given as deemed necessary based on the patient's clinical courseComments:-Administer as soon as possible after snakebite in patients with signs of progressive envenomation (e.g. worsening local injury, coagulation abnormality, or systemic envenomation signs).-Early use (within 6 hours of snakebite) is advised to prevent clinical deterioration and systemic coagulation abnormalities.-Closely monitor patients for allergic reactions during the infusion.-Observe the patient for up to 1 hour after the first dose to determine if initial control has been achieved.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Venomous Snake Bite:

Warnings

If you receive antivenin (Crotalidae) during an emergency, make sure any follow-up doctor knows you received antivenin (Crotalidae) polyvalent.

What other drugs will affect Antivenin (Crotalidae) polyvalent

Other drugs may affect antivenin (Crotalidae), including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

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