What is the recommended antidote for snake bites?

Study for the Canada Pharmacy Technician Practice Exam. Prepare with interactive quizzes, flashcards, and explanations. Ace your exam with confidence!

Crotalidae polyvalent is the recommended antidote for snake bites, particularly those caused by venomous snakes of the Crotalidae family, such as pit vipers, rattlesnakes, and cottonmouths. This specific antivenom is formulated to neutralize the toxins present in the venom and help mitigate the effects of the bite. It contains antibodies that are directed against a range of snake venoms, providing essential therapeutic action in cases of envenomation.

When a person is bitten by a venomous snake, the venom can cause serious systemic effects, including clotting disorders, pain, swelling, and potentially life-threatening complications. Administering Crotalidae polyvalent as soon as possible after the bite can significantly reduce morbidity and improve outcomes for the patient, making it a critical component of emergency treatment in snakebite cases.

The other options do not serve as antivenoms for snake bites; therefore, they are not appropriate treatments for this specific medical emergency. Pyridoxine is used primarily in the treatment of deficiencies and metabolic disorders, while dimercaprol is an antidote for heavy metal poisoning, and naloxone is used to reverse opioid overdoses.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy