Antivenom, An Essential Underused Drug
Abstract:
Antivenom has been the cornerstone of management for snake envenomation since its development and clinical use more than 100 years ago. Frequently used antivenoms are polyvalent antibodies, produced by immunizing animals. Like other protein drugs, antivenom has immunogenicity and may cause acute allergic reactions including ‘anaphylaxis’ ranging from mild to life threatening reactions. Premedication with subcutaneous adrenaline has clear benefit evidenced by reduction of number and extent of these events. Due to diversities of venom composition, to be maximally effective, antivenoms should ideally be produced by using the venoms from species of local origin.