Antihistamine, Acth, Cortisone, Hydrocortisone and Anesthetics in Snake Bite

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Abstract
Summary The therapeutic possibilities of Phenergan, ACTH, cortisone, hydrocortisone and procaine in snake bite were investigated by subcutaneous application of these drugs in mice and guinea pigs previously or simultaneously injected with venom of Bothrops jararaca or Crotalus terrificus by the same route. The statistical analysis of the results supplied no evidence of a beneficial effect of any of these substances. Higher sublethal doses of the antihistaminic enhanced the toxicity of jararaca venom for mice. None of the tested drugs is apt to replace antivenin in snake bite treatment and the use of antihistamine is even strongly contraindicated. The significance of these findings is discussed.