Highlights & Basics
- Snakebites in the US usually occur during intentional snake exposures, such as snake handling, snake hunts, and aggravating snakes in the wild.
- Few physicians have experience treating snakebites, and a poison center should be consulted in all cases.
- All snakebites should be copiously irrigated and inspected for foreign bodies or tendon damage. Infection is rare and prophylactic antibiotics are generally not indicated.
- Crotalinae (pit viper) envenomation may cause significant local and systemic effects including rhabdomyolysis, compartment syndrome, coagulopathy, pulmonary edema, and hypotension.
- Crotalinae antivenom (Crotalidae polyvalent immune Fab) should be administered in Crotalinae envenomations with worsening local toxicity or systemic symptoms.
Quick Reference
History & Exam
Key Factors
Other Factors
Diagnostics Tests
Treatment Options
Definition
Epidemiology
Etiology
Pathophysiology
Citations
Kanaan NC, Ray J, Stewart M, et al. Wilderness Medical Society practice guidelines for the treatment of pitviper envenomations in the United States and Canada. Wilderness Environ Med. 2015 Dec;26(4):472-87.[Abstract][Full Text]
Hewett Brumberg EK, Douma MJ, Alibertis K, et al. 2024 American Heart Association and American Red Cross guidelines for first aid. Circulation. 2024 Dec 10;150(24):e519-79.[Abstract][Full Text]
Lavonas EJ, Ruha AM, Banner W, et al. Unified treatment algorithm for the management of crotaline snakebite in the United States: results of an evidence-informed consensus workshop. BMC Emerg Med. 2011 Feb 3;11:2.[Abstract][Full Text]
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