✅ Name:
Snake Venom Antiserum (Polyvalent, Lyophilized) – As Licensed
📄 Description:
Lyophilized Polyvalent Snake Venom Antiserum is a freeze-dried (powdered) biological preparation obtained from equine plasma containing antibodies against multiple venomous snakes. It is used to neutralize systemic and local effects of snakebite envenomation in emergency settings.
💊 Prescription/Use:
- Indication:
For the treatment of envenomation caused by the following Indian snake species:- Common Cobra (Naja naja)
- Common Krait (Bungarus caeruleus)
- Russell’s Viper (Daboia russelii)
- Saw-scaled Viper (Echis carinatus)
- Route of Administration:
- Intravenous (IV) infusion, reconstituted with sterile water for injection.
- Dosage:
- Initial dose: 8–10 vials, depending on the type and severity of envenomation.
- Additional vials may be required based on clinical response and coagulation profile.
- Always administer under medical supervision.
🔬 Nature:
- Type: Polyvalent, equine-derived antiserum (passive immunization).
- Form: Lyophilized powder (freeze-dried), requiring reconstitution before use.
- Contains purified F(ab’)₂ immunoglobulin fragments from immunized horse serum.
🌟 Advantages:
- Stable at higher temperatures than liquid form—ideal for use in tropical, rural, or remote areas.
- Longer shelf life than liquid form.
- Effective against bites from multiple snake species common in India.
- Rapid action in neutralizing neurotoxic and hemotoxic effects.
- Can be safely stored and transported with minimal cold chain logistics.
📦 Common Packaging:
- Supplied in single-dose glass vials (usually 10 mL equivalent).
- Comes with separate sterile water for injection for reconstitution.
- Includes product insert, vial label, and external packaging with instructions.
🧊 Storage:
- Store at 2°C to 8°C (refrigerator) if possible.
- Some brands may permit room temperature storage up to a specific limit.
- Do not freeze.
- Protect from moisture and direct sunlight.
- Use immediately after reconstitution; do not store reconstituted solution.
⚠️ Precautions:
- Skin sensitivity test must be performed prior to administration (to rule out allergic reaction to horse proteins).
- Keep emergency drugs (e.g., adrenaline, corticosteroids, antihistamines) ready for anaphylaxis management.
- Do not use if the powder is discolored or the vial is cracked.
- Administer slowly and monitor for early signs of hypersensitivity.
- Not effective against sea snake venom or snake species not covered.
👩⚕️ Patient Advice:
- Inform healthcare providers about allergies or asthma history.
- Stay in the hospital for at least 24 hours for observation after receiving antiserum.
- Side effects like fever, rash, joint pain, or serum sickness may occur several days later—seek medical help if symptoms arise.
- Drink fluids and follow doctor’s advice regarding rest and wound care.
- This treatment is life-saving—never delay administration after a snakebite when envenomation is suspected.