Treatment: oral corticosteroids and antihistamines
ICD-10 classification
Rattlesnake envenomation: T63.011-T63.019
Copperhead or cottonmouth: T63.061-T63.069
Coral snake: T63.021-T63.029
Patient Discharge Instructions
copy discharge instructions
Discharge information for snake envenomation
Activity restrictions
Avoid contact sports for at least 2 weeks
Avoid dental extractions, tattoos, piercings, and elective surgery for at least 2 weeks
Gradual return to normal activities as swelling and pain improve
Wound care at home
Keep bite area clean and dry
Watch wound for signs of infection: increasing redness, warmth, pus, fever
Follow up for wound checks especially if necrosis was present
Medication instructions
Acetaminophen for pain as needed
Avoid ibuprofen, aspirin, and blood thinners unless directed by physician
Complete any prescribed medications (tetanus, antibiotics if given)
Follow-up blood tests
Blood tests required at 2-3 days and 5-7 days after last antivenom dose
Tests check for delayed blood clotting problems
Do not miss these appointments even if feeling well
Watch for serum sickness (7-21 days after antivenom)
Fever, joint pain, rash, or swollen lymph nodes
Return to emergency department or call physician
Expected recovery
Local swelling may take days to weeks to fully resolve
Early rehabilitation helps minimize residual disability
Full recovery expected for most mild to moderate envenomation
Return to emergency department immediately for
Worsening or spreading swelling
New bleeding from gums, urine, or stool
New bruising or petechiae
Fever or signs of wound infection
Difficulty breathing or chest pain
Weakness, numbness, or any neurologic symptoms
Dizziness, fainting, or feeling very unwell
References
Guidelines and Key Sources
Primary references for snake envenomation management
Lieu K, Livshits Z, LeSaint KT. Venomous Snakes and Snakebites. JAMA. 2025
Seifert SA, Armitage JO, Sanchez EE. Snake Envenomation. N Engl J Med. 2022
Gold BS, Dart RC, Barish RA. Bites of Venomous Snakes. N Engl J Med. 2002
Gerardo CJ et al. Does This Patient Have a Severe Snake Envenomation? JAMA Surgery. 2019
Kanaan NC et al. Wilderness Medical Society Practice Guidelines for Pitviper Envenomations. Wilderness Environ Med. 2015
Warrell DA, Williams DJ. Clinical Aspects of Snakebite Envenoming. Lancet. 2023
Hewett Brumberg EK et al. 2024 AHA and American Red Cross Guidelines for First Aid. Circulation. 2024
Fu G, He F, Xiong K. Predictors and Nomogram for Amputation Risk in Pit Viper Snakebite. Scientific Reports. 2025
FDA Drug Labels
Antivenom regulatory sources
CroFab FDA Drug Label. Food and Drug Administration. Updated 2018
Crotalidae polyvalent immune Fab (ovine) dosing and safety
Anavip FDA Drug Label. Food and Drug Administration. Updated 2015
Crotalidae immune F(ab')2 (equine) dosing and safety
Arthur Chang and Michael Yeh. Poisonings, Envenomations, and Toxic Exposures During Travel. CDC Yellow Book. 2025
SymptomDx is an educational tool for medical professionals. It does not replace clinical judgment. Verify all clinical data and drug dosages with authoritative sources.