Written by Pharmacology, Toxicology and Biomedical Reports, 2015, 1, 1, 35-36.
DOI: 10.5530/PTB.1.1.10
Published: 27th Feb, 2015
Type: Case Report
Authors: Yerramalli Roja Ramani, Bandana Rath, Uma Shankar Mishra, and Himanshu Bhusan Sahu
Author(s) affiliations:
Yerramalli Roja Ramani, Bandana Rath, Uma Shankar Mishra, Himanshu Bhusan Sahu
Department of Pharmacology, Assistant Professor (Pharmacology), MKCG Medical College, Berhampur Ganjam Odisha, India
Abstract
Increased incidence of snake bites has been found, especially in coastal regions where tropical cyclones are very frequent. Anti-snake venom (ASV) is the only effective antidote and a snake bite victim is always vulnerable to its associated adverse reactions. It has to be used only in patients in whom the benefits of treatment are considered to exceed the risks of reactions. The present case was appropriate candidate for ASV administration and showed signs of improvement initially as seen in most such cases, but developed hypotension 24 hours later which persisted till the next 24 hours in spite of prompt management with dopamine and continuation of ASV. But it was seen that, following withdrawal of ASV on the third day the patient recovered. Therefore, such emergent reactions like hypotension can be avoided by cautious use and continuous monitoring of a patient on ASV.