

coral snakebite, but such approval remains speculative.

Efforts are being made to obtain approval for a coral snake antivenom produced in Mexico which would work against U.S. coral snake antivenom is no longer manufactured, and remaining stocks of in-date antivenom for coral snakebite expired in the Fall of 2009, leaving the U.S. It was approved by the FDA in October, 2000. In the US, approved antivenom, including for pit viper ( rattlesnake, copperhead and water moccasin) snakebite, is based on a purified product made in sheep known as CroFab. The specific antivenom needed depends on the venomous species involved. They are recommended only if there is significant toxicity or a high risk of toxicity. Medical uses Īntivenom is used to treat certain venomous bites and stings. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. Īntivenom was first developed in the late 19th century and came into common use in the 1950s. Another approach is to develop targeted drugs (which, unlike antibodies, are usually synthetic and easier to manufacture at scale). One such different method of production involves production from bacteria. ĭue to the high cost of producing antibody-based antivenoms and their short shelf lives when not refrigerated, alternative methods of production of antivenoms are being actively explored. Versions are available for spider bites, snake bites, fish stings, and scorpion stings. The antibodies that form are then collected from the domestic animal's blood and purified. Antivenom is traditionally made by collecting venom from the relevant animal and injecting small amounts of it into a domestic animal. They include serum sickness, shortness of breath, and allergic reactions including anaphylaxis. The specific antivenom needed depends on the species involved.

Antivenoms are recommended only if there is significant toxicity or a high risk of toxicity.

It is composed of antibodies and used to treat certain venomous bites and stings. Antivenom, also known as antivenin, venom antiserum, and antivenom immunoglobulin, is a specific treatment for envenomation.
