ASVS

Details

Purpose

Snake Venom Antitoxin – Middle Eastis used in the cases of poisonous snake bites.  It comes under the international brand name of Snake Venom Antiserumand has an Indian brand name of ASVS (polyvalent snake antivenin serum).

Composition

The ASVS serum is a lyophilized, polyvalent enzyme refined serum that has anti-venomic characteristics.  1 ml of reconstituted Snake Venom Antitoxin – Middle East serum have:

• 6 mg of African cobra venom
• 45mg of common krait
• 6mg of Russel’s viper venom
• 45mg of saw-scaled viper venom.
• With phenol as a preservative, not more than 0.25% w/v

Measures and precautions

1. The dosage of ASVS serum depends on the degree of envenomation caused by poisonous snakes. At initial times, do check the sensitivity of the patient before applying the main vial of serum.
2. Snake venom Antitoxin -Middle Eastshould be administered in the presence of the doctor. It should not be fabricated with other medications of the same category.
3. The test for sensitivity with histamines is mandatory for the administration of the ASVS serum.
4. Snake venom antitoxin- middle east serum sensitivity test is done before by administering 0.1ml of theSnake Venom Antiserumto the victim.
5. If the user shows any signs of bad effects then the serum is not administered. If any harm signs are not seen, then it is administered to the victim of snake venom.
6. The snake venom antitoxin – middle east is available in vials that have the chemicals for combating the snake venoms like a cobra, viper, krait, etc.
7. Prescence of any type of allergies like asthma, drug allergy, eczema, anti-diphtheria, the anti-tetanus serum should be reported early to the doctor. This minimizes the chances of serious side-effects.
8. After injecting the exact dose, the patient should be observed for at least 30mins.to show any ill-effects of the drug.
9. While administering the dose of this serum, keep adrenaline injections handy to administer to the patients for treating bad effects.
10. The doctor’s presence is a must while the administration of this serum.
11. Avoid the use of any other chemicals with the usage of anti-venom serum. Do not seek the administration of this serum without performing the sensitivity test.

Side-effects

• Prolonged shortness of breath
• Eczema
• Trouble in breathing
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Irregular heartbeats

Storage

The drug is stored at higher room temperature and should be frozen to preserve it for future use. the medicine should be kept away from children and pets.