Antisnake Venom Serum, Heptavalent

What it is and how it works

Purified equine F(ab')2 antibodies raised against the venoms of seven medically important regional snake species. They bind and neutralise circulating venom toxins, reversing haemotoxic, cytotoxic and neurotoxic effects.

Indications

Treatment of systemic envenoming or severe local envenoming following bites by snake species covered by the antivenom.

Dosage and administration (summary)

Dosing is individualised according to clinical severity and national envenoming protocols; given by slow intravenous injection or infusion, with repeat doses guided by clinical and coagulation response. Children receive the same dose as adults.

Contraindications

There is no absolute contraindication in life-threatening envenoming; a history of severe reaction to equine serum requires careful risk–benefit assessment.

Warnings and precautions

Early anaphylactic and pyrogenic reactions are common; give where adrenaline and resuscitation facilities are immediately available. Serum sickness may occur 5–14 days later. Antivenom should be used only when signs of envenoming are present, together with supportive care.

Pregnancy

Should be given in pregnancy when envenoming occurs, as benefits outweigh risks.

Storage and supply

Store at 2–8 °C refrigerated (lyophilised forms may tolerate up to 25 °C per product); do not freeze; protect from light.

Source: reference summary prepared from the EU SmPC/EPAR, BNF and WHO Model Formulary. The approved product information in Iran governs.