Purified Green Pit Viper (Trimeresurus albolabris) antivenom serum is a colorless or pale yellow solution, derived from equine plasma containing specific antibodies against green pit viper venom.
PHARMACOKINETICS, PHARMACODYNAMICS
Antivenom serum contains globulins capable of specifically neutralizing snake venom, obtained from the plasma of healthy horses immunized with a particular venom (monovalent antivenom) or several venoms (polyvalent antivenom).
There are many types of venom depending on the snake species and the geographical region in which they live. Therefore, the appropriate specific antivenom must be used for the type of venom involved.
Green pit viper venom typically contains neurotoxins that inhibit the central nervous system.
Various snake antivenoms are produced worldwide. It is important to use the specific antivenom corresponding to the venomous snake species responsible for the envenomation.
INDICATIONS:
Treatment of patients bitten by Green Pit Viper (Trimeresurus albolabris).
CONTRAINDICATIONS:
– Patients with a history of anaphylactic shock to equine-derived antiserum. In such cases, antihistamines and other anti-shock medications must be prepared and administered if necessary.
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION:
– Hypersensitivity test: Prior to injection, perform a skin sensitivity test by diluting serum to a 1% solution, inject 0.1 ml intradermally, and observe after 15 minutes. A wheal < 1 cm indicates a negative reaction.
– Route of administration: Intramuscular injection or slow intravenous injection. Administer 1 vial every hour until clinical signs of envenomation improve.
– Therapeutic dose: Depends on the severity of envenomation and patient condition. The physician determines the appropriate dose, which may range from 1 to several vials.
ADVERSE REACTIONS:
Individuals with allergic predisposition or repeated serum exposure are at risk of hypersensitivity reactions such as urticaria, itching, edema, nephritis; in severe cases, shock or anaphylaxis may occur.
PRECAUTIONS AND WARNINGS:
– If hypersensitivity test is positive, apply the Besredka desensitization method: Inject 0.5 ml of 1% diluted serum subcutaneously, observe 15 minutes. If no reaction, inject 0.1 ml undiluted serum, observe 15 minutes. If no reaction, administer the remaining dose.
– Antihistamines may be administered prior to injection if necessary.
– Emergency drugs and equipment must always be available for management of anaphylaxis.
– SAV-a must not be used excessively when vital functions (physiological, biochemical) of the patient have already recovered.
– In patients with known allergy to equine serum, antihistamines and anti-shock drugs must be prepared before use.
– SAV-a must not be used for prophylaxis.
– Delayed hospital admission may reduce efficacy.
♦ Pregnancy: No contraindication when treatment is required.
♦ Lactation: No contraindication for use during breastfeeding.
Overdose and management: Report to physician any undesirable effects encountered during use.
DRUG INTERACTIONS:
– Treatment with beta-adrenergic blocking agents, including cardioselective agents, may increase the severity of acute anaphylaxis.
– Anaphylaxis may be prolonged and resistant to conventional therapy in patients on beta-blockers.
– The therapeutic effects of epinephrine and other adrenergic agents may be altered, requiring higher-than-usual doses.
PACKAGING:
Box of 10 vials, each vial containing potency equivalent to 1000 LD50.
STORAGE:
Store at +2°C to +8°C. Do not freeze.
SHELF LIFE:
2 years.
NOTE:
Read the package insert carefully before use.
Report any undesirable effects to the physician.
Prescription only medicine.
