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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is 50mg Of Diphenhydramine The Right Medicine For Snake Bite?

Hi, I was just bitten by what looked like a darker version of a common garter snake. It drew blood, and I washed the bites, but now my hand is sort of swollen and a little painful. Am I having an allergic reaction? I just took 50mg of diphenhydramine HCL Thank you, Julia
Mon, 6 Jul 2015
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi & Welcome to HCM.

I appreciate your concern for the painful swollen hand following a snakebite.
This is due to an inflammatory response to snake bite.
Given alone Diphenhydramine may not be effective in reducing the swelling, you may have to take Inj Hydrocortisone which not only reduces the swelling but also the pain.
You should also take Inj Tetanus toxoid.

Besides, you are advised to visit ER as the snake bite can be life threatening and you may be given polyvalent antivenom. The sooner the antivenom is used, the more effective it will be.

Hope to have answered your query.
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Is 50mg Of Diphenhydramine The Right Medicine For Snake Bite?

Hi & Welcome to HCM. I appreciate your concern for the painful swollen hand following a snakebite. This is due to an inflammatory response to snake bite. Given alone Diphenhydramine may not be effective in reducing the swelling, you may have to take Inj Hydrocortisone which not only reduces the swelling but also the pain. You should also take Inj Tetanus toxoid. Besides, you are advised to visit ER as the snake bite can be life threatening and you may be given polyvalent antivenom. The sooner the antivenom is used, the more effective it will be. Hope to have answered your query.