Snakebites: When Is It Too Late For Anti-Venom Injection?

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If you live in a snake-prone area during monsoon, stay alert. Some snakes are highly venomous, and without quick anti-venom treatment, their bite can be deadly
Cases of snake bites tend to rise during the rainy season because rainwater floods their burrows, forcing snakes to come out. In search of drier shelter, they often move towards houses or hide in nearby trees, plants, or bushes.
India is home to nearly 400 species of snakes, out of which around 60 are venomous. The Russell's viper, Indian cobra, common krait, and saw-scaled viper are considered the most dangerous.
If you live in an area prone to snake sightings during the monsoon, it's important to remain extra cautious. Many snakes are so venomous that without immediate medical intervention, including an anti-venom injection, the bite can be fatal.
In this situation, knowing how soon anti-venom should be administered after a snake bite and how much anti-venom is required becomes important to save lives in critical situations.
In conversation with Dr Dilip Singh, Chief Medical Superintendent at the Government Medical College, Kannauj, Uttar Pradesh, he tried to answer these important questions:
Injection For Snake Bite
Dr Dilip Singh explains that the snake anti-venom injection is a prescription medicine given as treatment for venomous snake bites. It is regarded as the most effective remedy for such cases.
The anti-venom used is a combination designed to counteract the venom of four major types of snakes. It works by neutralising the venom and can save lives even after a bite from a venomous snake.
According to Dr Singh, an anti-venom injection is not needed for non-venomous snake bites. However, in the case of venomous bites, such as those from a cobra or krait, the anti-venom must be administered immediately, ideally within 30 to 40 minutes. If given even earlier, the chances of a faster recovery increase. In some cases, the injection can still be beneficial if administered within 24 hours.
Which Venom Attacks Which Organ?
According to the expert, before administering anti-venom, it is crucial to understand what kind of snake venom is involved and its effect on the body.
Snake venom is broadly categorised into two types: cardiotoxic and neurotoxic. These affect the nervous system and cardiovascular system, respectively. In cardiotoxic cases, symptoms can include heart failure, an increased heart rate, and high or low blood pressure. In neurotoxic cases, patients may experience unconsciousness, fainting, and high-grade fever.
Dose Of Anti-Venom
According to Dr Singh, the required dose of anti-venom depends on the condition of the patient. In some cases, where the effect of the venom is mild, only one dose is needed. In more serious cases, patients may require three or four follow-up doses. If the snake is highly venomous, a larger quantity of anti-venom may be needed, as each dose may contain fewer antibodies.
Types of poison
Neurotoxic Poison: This type of venom affects the nervous system, leading to muscle weakness, paralysis, and even death. Neurotoxin is commonly found in snakes like the cobra, krait, and viper.
Haemotoxic Poison: This venom damages blood vessels, which can lead to bleeding, organ failure, and death. Haemotoxin is usually found in snakes like the Russell's viper, tiger snake, and king cobra.
Cytotoxic Poison: This type of venom destroys body tissues, resulting in swelling, pain, and potentially death. Cytotoxin is usually found in snakes like the rattlesnake, boa constrictor, and python.
Location :
Kannauj, India, India
First Published:
July 28, 2025, 10:28 IST
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