Antivenoms are relatively costly (about ksh. 5000/10mls vial), oftentimes in short supply, but with an inherent risk for hypersensitivity reactions. Antivenoms should therefore not be used indiscriminately.
Antivenoms are recommended for patients with proven or suspected snake bite who develops any of the following signs:
1. Local swelling involving more than half of the bitten limb within 48hrs (in the absence of a tourniquet).
2. Rapid extension of swelling within few hours of bite, for example, beyond the wrist or ankle when fingers or toes are bitten.
3. Development of enlarged tender lymph nodes draining the bitten limb.
4 . . .
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