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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Can Antivenom Dose On Snake Bite Heal Completely?

Hi My Name is Stephanie. I was biten by a copperhead snake on 7-6-14 around 10pm. I was taken to the ER and givin 4 viles of antivenom. I stayed in the hospital until 7-10-14. So I ve been home 5 days and the swelling has not gone done, it itches and sore to the touch. Should i go have it looked at now or wait.
Tue, 22 Jul 2014
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hello,
Thanks for your query.
I am happy to help you here.
Today is 22nd of july.If you have swelling till today, then its better to have a follow up. Usually snakes are non poisnous. But if snakes are poisnous usually its either cardiotoxic or neurotoxic & sometimes both. Swelling doesnot confirms that the snake was toxic, but it needs attention further. Although its rare that toxin will show its action after 15 days but untill the swelling subsides u need to be kept on watch. 4 vails of antivenom may not be sufficient if aknowledgeble symptoms appear, & if no symptoms appear, you may not need anti venom at all, but for that you should be kept in watch for atleast three days. Even if just swelling appears its considered safe to administer antivenom, some patient body react to antivenom and cant be continued further.
I dont think you are in trouble of having activation of toxin but still you should keep watch on yourself for following things untill the swelling subsides.

1) If either or both eyelids starts drooping or you develop difficulty in opening eyes.
2) or if you develop numbness (decrease/loss of sensation on touch.)
3)Any kind of unnatural bleeding from nose or in stool etc.

if any of above complaints develop then its must to revisit ER.
At the time being I recomend you to take antibiotics and antiinflamatory medication to prevent infection , decrease itching and to decrease the swelling.
For now I suggest you to either have a follow up or you can take some medications as bellow.
Chymoral forte once dail before food for 1 wk ( it will help to decrease swelling )
Tab levocet 5mg 1 at night before sleep for 3 days ( to decrease itching )
Tab metronidazole 400mg thrice daily for 5 days.
Tab cefixime 200mg twice daily for 3 days.

I hope my talk would be helpful. Will be happy to help you futher.
Thank you.
Dr.Gaurav Baidya

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Can Antivenom Dose On Snake Bite Heal Completely?

Hello, Thanks for your query. I am happy to help you here. Today is 22nd of july.If you have swelling till today, then its better to have a follow up. Usually snakes are non poisnous. But if snakes are poisnous usually its either cardiotoxic or neurotoxic & sometimes both. Swelling doesnot confirms that the snake was toxic, but it needs attention further. Although its rare that toxin will show its action after 15 days but untill the swelling subsides u need to be kept on watch. 4 vails of antivenom may not be sufficient if aknowledgeble symptoms appear, & if no symptoms appear, you may not need anti venom at all, but for that you should be kept in watch for atleast three days. Even if just swelling appears its considered safe to administer antivenom, some patient body react to antivenom and cant be continued further. I dont think you are in trouble of having activation of toxin but still you should keep watch on yourself for following things untill the swelling subsides. 1) If either or both eyelids starts drooping or you develop difficulty in opening eyes. 2) or if you develop numbness (decrease/loss of sensation on touch.) 3)Any kind of unnatural bleeding from nose or in stool etc. if any of above complaints develop then its must to revisit ER. At the time being I recomend you to take antibiotics and antiinflamatory medication to prevent infection , decrease itching and to decrease the swelling. For now I suggest you to either have a follow up or you can take some medications as bellow. Chymoral forte once dail before food for 1 wk ( it will help to decrease swelling ) Tab levocet 5mg 1 at night before sleep for 3 days ( to decrease itching ) Tab metronidazole 400mg thrice daily for 5 days. Tab cefixime 200mg twice daily for 3 days. I hope my talk would be helpful. Will be happy to help you futher. Thank you. Dr.Gaurav Baidya