How Antivenom Works
Antivenom is made from antibodies harvested from animals, usually horses, that have been exposed to small amounts of venom. When injected into a human, these antibodies bind to venom toxins and help neutralize them quickly.
Why Treatment Is Usually Limited to One Dose
The human immune system can recognize the foreign animal proteins in antivenom. After the first exposure, the body may create antibodies against the antivenom itself, reducing its effectiveness and increasing the risk of serious reactions.
Risks of Repeated Antivenom Use
Repeated doses raise the chance of serum sickness and severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. Because of these risks, clinicians generally reserve additional antivenom for life-threatening cases where benefits clearly outweigh the dangers.
For current dosing guidance and safety details, refer to the World Health Organization antivenom recommendations at https://www.who.int/health-topics/antivenom.
