Therapeutic alternatives for the treatment of snakebites and their adverse reactions

Abstract

Objective: Discuss therapeutic approaches that minimize the adverse effects of serotherapy. Bibliographic Review: Snake bites are one of the main causes of animal poisoning in Brazil, with a higher incidence in the North region, especially involving the genus Bothrops. In Brazil, snakebites are frequently caused by the genera Crotalus, Bothrops, Lachesis (family Viperidae) and Micrurus (family Elapidae). Effective treatment requires rapid intervention from initial management to hospital care, where heterologous serums are applied, although associated with a high incidence of allergic reactions. Studies investigate phenolic compounds to neutralize the effects of snake venom, targeting mainly the areas of the nervous, cardiovascular, hemostatic and tissue necrosis systems. Assessing the severity of snake envenomation is crucial as it determines appropriate management. Neurotoxic symptoms include eyelid ptosis, ophthalmoplegia and eventually bulbar and respiratory paralysis. Final considerations: The clinical and epidemiological assessment of snakebites in Brazil is essential to understand the frequency, distribution, main species and severity of snake bites in the country. In this context, promising research is investigating the potential of phenolic acid as a new therapeutic approach against the effects of snake bites, highlighting the need for further investigations to fully evaluate its efficacy and safety.