Pharmacology. To produce the antivenom, horses are hyperimmunized with Latrodectus mactans (black widow spider) venom. The lyophilized protein product from pooled equine sera contains antibodies specific to certain venom fractions as well as residual serum proteins such as albumin and globulins. After intravenous administration, the antivenom distributes widely throughout the body, where it binds to venom.

Indications

1. 
   

   Black widow envenomation–induced severe hypertension or muscle pain or cramping that is not alleviated by muscle relaxants, analgesics, or sedation; consider particularly in patients at the extremes of age (ie, younger than 1 year or older than 65 years).

   
   
2. 
   

   Black widow envenomation in pregnancy may cause abdominal muscle spasms severe enough to threaten spontaneous abortion or early onset of labor.

Contraindications. Known hypersensitivity to horse serum.

Adverse effects

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