ack coloration of the coral snake. This potential for confusion underscores the importance of seeking care for any snakebite (unless positive identification of a nonpoisonous snake can be made). The bites of both pit vipers and coral snakes can be effectively treated with antivenin. But other factors, such as time elapsed since being bitten and care taken before arriving at the hospital, also are critical.(For Goodness Snakes)Medical TreatmentsMedical professionals sometimes disagree about the best way to manage poisonous snakebites. Some physicians hold off on immediate treatment, opting for observation of the patient to gauge a bite's seriousness. Procedures such as fasciotomy, a surgical treatment of tissue around the bite, have some supporters. But most often, doctors turn to the antidote to snake venom--antivenin--as a reliable treatment for serious snakebites.(ForGoodness Snakes) Antivenin is derived from antibodies created in a horse's blood serum when the animal is injected with snake venom. In humans, antivenin is administered either through the veins or injected into muscle and works by neutralizing snake venom that has entered the body. Because antivenin is obtained from horses, snakebite victims sensitive to horse products mustbe carefully managed. The danger is that they could develop an adverse reaction or even a potentially fatal allergic condition called anaphylactic shock. The Food and Drug Administration regulates antivenins as part of its oversight of biological products. The agency requires certain criteria to be met before these materials are sold, including standards for purification, packaging and potency. FDA also regulates antivenin labeling, ensuringthat data on potential side effects and other pertinent information are available. The agency also periodically inspects antivenin production facilities to ensure compliance with regulations.(For Goodness Snakes)Many snakebites are caused by nonvenomous (nonpoisonou...
