Description

Funnel web spiders (genera Atrax or Hadronyche) are toxic spiders in Australia, with the male spider having a venom that is more toxic than that of the female. While many patients will either experience no symptoms or only local symptoms related to the bite, some patients will have a more severe reaction that can be fatal. Patients with more severe disease should receive antivenom in order to prevent serious sequelae.


 

Indications for the use of antivenom:

(1) muscle fasciculations in the limb involved or in a remote site such as the tongue or lips

(2) marked salivation or lacrimation

(3) piloerection

(4) significant tachycardia

(5) hypertension in a previously normotensive person

(6) dyspnea

(7) disorientation, confusion or a depressed level of consciousness

 

If none of these findings are present, then the patient does not require antivenom.

 


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