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Pronunciation |
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(an
tee VEN in (kroe TAL ih die) pol i
VAY lent) |
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Generic
Available |
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No |
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Synonyms |
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Crotaline Antivenin, Polyvalent; North and South American Antisnake-bite Serum;
Pit Viper Antivenin; Snake (Pit Vipers) Antivenin |
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Pharmacological Index |
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Antivenin |
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Use |
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Neutralization of venoms of North and South American crotalids: rattlesnake,
copperhead, cottonmouth, tropical moccasins, fer-de-lance,
bushmaster |
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Pregnancy Risk
Factor |
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C |
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Stability |
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Store in refrigerator, avoid temperatures >37°C;
reconstituted solutions should be used within 48 hours |
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Usual Dosage |
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Initial intradermal sensitivity test. The entire initial dose of antivenin
should be administered as soon as possible to be most effective (within 4 hours
after the bite).
Additional doses of antivenin is based on clinical response to the initial
dose. If swelling continues to progress, symptoms increase in severity,
hypotension occurs, or decrease in hematocrit appears, an additional 10-50 mL
should be administered.
For I.V. infusion: 1:1-1:10 dilution of reconstituted antivenin in normal
saline or D5W should be prepared. Infuse the initial 5-10 mL of
diluted antivenin over 3-5 minutes monitoring closely for signs of sensitivity
reactions. |
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Administration |
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Antivenin may be given I.M. for minimal envenomation. I.V. administration of
antivenin is preferred for moderate to severe envenomation or in the presence of
shock; for I.V. infusion, prepare a 1:1 to 1:10 dilution of reconstituted
antivenin in normal saline or D5W; infuse the initial 5-10 mL
dilution over 3-5 minutes while carefully observing the patient for signs and
symptoms of sensitivity reactions. If no reaction occurs, continue infusion at a
safe I.V. fluid delivery rate. |
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Patient
Information |
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Immediate sensitivity reactions occur within 30 minutes after administration;
serum-sickness reaction may occur 5-24 days after a dose |
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Nursing
Implications |
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Do not inject into a finger or toe; epinephrine should be available.
Antivenin may be administered I.M. for minimal envenomation. I.V. administration
of antivenin is preferred for moderate to severe envenomation or in the presence
of shock; for I.V. infusion, prepare a 1:1 to 1:10 dilution of reconstituted
antivenin in normal saline or D5W; infuse the initial 5-10 mL
dilution over 3-5 minutes while carefully observing the patient for signs and
symptoms of sensitivity reactions. If no reaction occurs, continue infusion at a
safe I.V. fluid delivery rate.
Monitor vital signs, hematocrit |
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Dosage Forms |
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Injection: Lyophilized serum, diluent (10 mL); one vacuum vial to yield 10 mL
of serum |
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