Antivenin (Intravenous)

Generic name: antivenin (micrurus fulvius) [ an-tee-VEN-in ]
Drug class: Antitoxins and antivenins

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 20, 2024.

Uses for Antivenin

North American coral snake antivenin belongs to a group of medicines known as immunizing agents. It is used for the treatment of poisoning caused by bites of North American coral snakes, such as the Eastern coral snake, the Texas coral snake, and some other related species of coral snakes.

North American coral snake antivenin is to be used only by or under the supervision of a doctor.

Before using Antivenin

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Studies show that children tolerate North American coral snake antivenin better than do adults. However, children typically have more severe reactions to snakebite poisoning because of the greater amount of poison per body weight. Therefore, children may require larger doses of North American coral snake antivenin than do adults.

Geriatric

Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults. Although there is no specific information comparing use of North American coral snake antivenin in the elderly with use in other age groups, this medicine is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults.

Breast Feeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Proper use of Antivenin

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

Make certain your health care professional knows if you are on any special diet, such as a low-sodium diet.

Side Effects of Antivenin

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

• Difficulty in breathing or swallowing
• hives
• itching, especially of feet or hands
• reddening of skin, especially around ears
• swelling of eyes, face, or inside nose
• unusual tiredness or weakness

For up to 24 days after you have received North American coral snake antivenin, you may develop symptoms of a side effect called serum sickness. The severity of the symptoms and the length of the sickness depend on the amount of North American coral snake antivenin you were given and how long the treatment lasted. During this period of time check with your doctor if you notice any of the following side effects:

• Fever
• redness of joints
• skin rash and itching
• swollen glands

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

• Antivenin

Available Dosage Forms:

• Powder for Solution

Therapeutic Class: Antivenom

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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