A Comparison of Calcium Gluconate and Methocarbamol (Robaxin®) in the Treatment of Latrodectism (Black Widow Spider Envenomation)
- 1 January 1981
- journal article
- research article
- Published by American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene in The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
- Vol. 30 (1) , 273-277
- https://doi.org/10.4269/ajtmh.1981.30.273
Abstract
Calcium gluconate and methocarbamol were compared by using an algorithmic treatment protocol on all cases of Latrodectus (black widow) envenomation seen over a period of 3 years. Six of 13 patients were effectively cured of their symptoms by calcium gluconate, while only one of 10 patients was relieved by methocarbamol. Calcium gluconate remains the drug of first choice for this syndrome. It was also noted that calcium gluconate was more effective in patients who presented 3 hours of more after they were bitten. Antivenom may be necessary in those who present with symptoms in less than 3 hours.This publication has 2 references indexed in Scilit:
- Black widow spider envenomation during pregnancy. Report of a caseToxicon, 1979
- Poisonous Spider BitesAnnals of Internal Medicine, 1932