Antivenin-Spider (Injection)

Generic name: antivenin (LATRODECTUS MACTANS) (injection route) [ an-tee-VEN-in-(lat-roe-DEK-tus-MAK-tans) ]
Drug class:Antitoxins and antivenins

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 24, 2022.

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

Antivenin-Spider

In Canada

Antivenin

Available Dosage Forms:

Powder for Solution

Therapeutic Class: Antivenom

Uses for Antivenin-Spider

Black widow spider antivenin belongs to a group of medicines known as immunizing agents. It is used to treat patients with serious symptoms caused by the bites of the black widow spider.

This medicine is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of a doctor.

Before using Antivenin-Spider

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of antivenin injection in children.

Geriatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of antivenin injection in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more likely to have unwanted effects from bites from the black widow spider, suggesting that antivenin should be given as a preferred initial therapy .

Breastfeeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with food/tobacco/alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Antivenin-Spider