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
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O'Neil ME, Mack KA, Gilchrist J, et al. Snakebite injuries treated in United States emergency departments, 2001-2004. Wilderness Environ Med. 2007 Winter;18(4):281-7.[Abstract]
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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]
Singletary EM, Charlton NP, Epstein JL, et al. Part 15: first aid: 2015 American Heart Association and American Red Cross guidelines update for first aid. Circulation. 2015 Nov 3;132(18 suppl 2):S574-89.[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]
Spiller HA, Bosse GM. Prospective study of morbidity associated with snakebite envenomation. J Toxicol Clin Toxicol. 2003;41(2):125-30.[Abstract]
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