What are the indications for black widow antivenom?

Rarely used. Most patients respond well to supportive measures alone including:

• morphine for pain


• IV calcium or muscle relaxants (methocarbamol) for muscle cramping

Consider antivenom use if patient still symptomatic despite above interventions, particularly at extremes of age or in pregnancy where abdominal muscle spasms may induce abortion.

Source

Olson, K MD. Poisoning & Drug Overdose. McGraw-Hill. 2004.