STUDIES OF ADVERSE DRUG REACTION PROFILE OF ANTISNAKE VENOM AT DISTRICT GENERAL HOSPITAL

Snake bite is a common predominant problem of the rural and periurban areas, neglected and frequently devastating environmental and occupational disease, especially in rural areas of tropical developing countries. This study aimed to investigate of the adverse drug reaction profile of anti-snake venom (ASV) in a district general hospital. An observational study was conducted in hospital for six months. A total number of 142 indoor case papers of snake bite from October 2016 to April 2017 were observed and retrieved from the record section. The antivenom reactions were assessed and prescribing practices of ASV were analyzed. It was observed that snakebites occur especially among active workers like farmers, plantation workers and laborers. The incidence of ASV reactions was higher in male (28) patients than female (15) patients in the age group of 21-40 years. Neuroparalytic snake bites were more common (44.18%) than vasculotoxic ones (41.65%). A total of 43 (30.28%) patients who received ASV suffered from antivenom reactions. The most common nature of reaction was chills, rigors (69.56%) followed by itching, urticaria, nausea and vomiting (34.8%). 10-15% patients suffered from moderate to severe reactions like hypotension and sudden respiratory arrest. ASV adverse drug reactions were more with 10 vials dose, followed by 5 vials dose, 3 vials dose, 15 vial doses and 8 vials dose. Our study showed a higher incidence of reactions to ASV at district hospital. Key words: Snake bite, Envenoming, anti-snake venom (ASV), Antivenom reactions, Anaphylaxis