Polyvalent coral snake antivenom (Micrurus) !
Antivenom from Colombia's INS against the neurotoxic venom of coral snakes (Micrurus), which can paralyse the breathing muscles.
Updated 2026-11-01
Also called: Anti-coral antivenom, Anti-Micrurus antivenom, Anti-elapid antivenom
Mechanism of action
It contains specific immunoglobulins against the venoms of Colombian coral snakes (Micrurus dumerilii, M. mipartitus, M. isozonus and M. surinamensis). Elapid venoms carry small neurotoxins (α-neurotoxins) that occupy the acetylcholine site on the muscle nicotinic receptor and reach their targets quickly. The antivenom neutralises toxin still circulating but does not detach toxin already bound, so it is given early.
- Coral snake neurotoxins quickly reach the neuromuscular junction
- Antibodies neutralise toxin still circulating
- Progression of paralysis is halted
- Bound toxin is not detached: ventilatory support may be needed
Pharmacokinetics
- Distribution
- Intravenous; races the rapid distribution of small neurotoxins into tissues
Indications
- Coral snake (Micrurus) bite with suspected envenoming, even before paralysis appears
Adverse effects
Common
- Urticaria, itching and fever during the infusion
Contraindications
- No absolute contraindication in envenoming that needs it; anaphylaxis treatment is prepared
Key interactions
- Polyvalent snake antivenom (Bothrops and Crotalus)
- Does not replace it: each antivenom neutralises only the venoms of its genus
What is monitored
- Signs of progressive muscle weakness: eyelids, swallowing, speech and breathing
- Respiratory function and oxygen saturation
- Signs of anaphylaxis during the infusion
Administration and safety
- Intravenous only, under continuous medical supervision
- Store refrigerated (2–8 °C)
- Have airway and ventilation support ready as well as anaphylaxis treatment
Nursing care
- Check eyelids, voice, swallowing and breathing pattern often
- Have airway equipment ready
- Watch for reactions during the infusion
- Record the batch and notify the case
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Coral snake envenoming endangers mother and fetus; pregnancy does not prevent antivenom when it is indicated.
Test yourself
Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.
Why is coral snake antivenom given before paralysis appears?
The small neurotoxins quickly reach the neuromuscular junction and, once bound, the antivenom cannot detach them.
Does the polyvalent snake antivenom work for a coral snake bite?
No: it neutralises Bothrops and Crotalus venoms; Micrurus needs the coral snake antivenom.
Which receptor do elapid α-neurotoxins, such as coral snake toxins, act on?
The muscle nicotinic receptor at the neuromuscular junction: they occupy the acetylcholine site and block contraction.
Related drugs
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Educational content on how drugs work; not a prescribing guide and no substitute for a health professional's advice. No doses are given.
Sources: Venta de Antivenenos (Instituto Nacional de Salud (Colombia), 2026); Snakebite envenoming (World Health Organization, 2026); Guidelines for the production, control and regulation of snake antivenom immunoglobulins, Annex 5, TRS No 1004 (World Health Organization, 2017); Goodman & Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 14th ed., ch. 10 (McGraw Hill, 2023).
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Representative model, for educational purposes only.