Coral Snake Antivenin Antivenin Micrurus fulvius Equine

Coral Snake Antivenin Antivenin Micrurus fulvius Equine Brand Name– Antivenin N.A. (Coral Snake)

What is Coral Snake Antivenin Antivenin Micrurus fulvius Equine

North American coral snake antivenin (Micrurus fulvius antivenin) is a parenteral equine-derived antivenin for neutralizing the toxic effects of coral snake bites. 

Micrurus fulvius antivenin is active against venom from North American eastern coral snakes (Micrurus fulvius fulvius) and Texas coral snakes (Micrurus tener tener), but will not neutralize the venom from Arizona Sonoran coral snakes (Micruroides euryxanthus).

Antivenin therapy is the mainstay of medical treatment (in conjunction with supportive care), and is most effective when given at the first sign of systemic envenomation.

Local symptoms at the envenomation site (e.g., pain, erythema) are usually mild to moderate; however, serious systemic symptoms (e.g., neurologic toxicity) can develop and progress quickly (average onset 5.6 hours, range 5 minutes to 24 hours).

Therefore, it is advised to administer antivenin as soon as the patient develops sign of systemic envenomation; significant delays in treatment may result in neuromuscular weakness that is unlikely to be reversed by the antivenin.

Anaphylaxis has been reported following use of the antivenin; thus, all potential drug recipients should receive a hypersensitivity skin test before initiating antivenin therapy.

North American coral snake antivenin received FDA approval in 1967. Due to a short supply, the antivenin can only be obtained directly from the manufacturer on a replacement or emergency basis.

Health care providers can receive product acquisition information by calling 800-222-1222 or 800-666-7248.

Indications

• coral snake bite

For the treatment of a North American eastern (Micrurus fulvius fulvius) or Texas (Micrurus tener tener) coral snake bite

for sensitivity testing prior to therapeutic use of antivenin

NOTE: Coral snake antivenin is prepared from horse serum; sensitivity testing should be performed in all patients prior to treatment.

NOTE: A negative history and negative skin test do not rule out the possibility of an immediate allergic reaction.

NOTE: Administering antivenin to a patient with a positive history and strongly positive skin test may be dangerous. The risk of antivenin administration must be weighed against the risk of withholding antivenin, keeping in mind severe envenomation can be fatal.

Side Effects

1. anaphylactic shock
2. anaphylactoid reactions
3. arthralgia
4. bronchospasm
5. dyspnea
6. fever
7. flushing
8. lymphadenopathy
9. peripheral neuropathy
10. pruritus
11. serum sickness
12. urticaria

Monitoring Parameters

• laboratory monitoring not necessary

Contraindications

• breast-feeding
• equine protein hypersensitivity
• pregnancy
• requires a specialized care setting

Interactions

There are no drug interactions associated with Coral Snake Antivenin, Antivenin Micrurus fulvius Equine products.