Improving Safety of Antivenom in People Bitten by Snakes

Low Dose Adrenaline, Promethazine, & Hydrocortisone (Alone and in Combination) to Prevent Acute Adverse Reactions to Antivenom in People Bitten by Snakes: Randomised, Double Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

A study to increase the safety of polyvalent antivenom involving 1000 patients in three centres: low dose adrenaline, promethazine, & hydrocortisone (alone and in combination) to prevent acute adverse reactions to antivenom in people bitten by snakes: randomised, double blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Above 12 years of age
• Patients admitted to hospital after snake bite in whom antivenom is indicated
• Patients who give informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients who are pregnant or nursing
• Patients who are currently taking beta- or alpha-adrenoceptor antagonists, or tricyclic antidepressants
• Patients in whom adrenaline may be contraindicated (this may include patients with the following: history of ischaemic heart disease, stroke, uncontrolled hypertension, and tachyarrhythmias)