Treatment for sea snake bites

Note: If a sea snake bite is suspected, apply a pressure bandage over the bite site and whole affected limb, and completely immobilise the limb and the patient.

First aid for sea snake bites is the same as for terrestrial snake bites, including application of a pressure bandage and complete immobilisation of the affected limb and the patient. For more information, see First aid for snake bite.

If there is a suspicion of systemic envenoming, resuscitate the patient if required and consult a clinical toxicologist or poisons information centre regarding whether to use antivenom.

Note: Always administer antivenom in a resuscitation area or critical care unit with readily available adrenaline (epinephrine) and resuscitation equipment.

If sea snake antivenom is indicated, always administer it in a resuscitation area or critical care unit with readily available adrenaline and resuscitation equipment. Use:

sea snake antivenom 1 vial, diluted 1:10 in sodium chloride 0.9% or compound sodium lactate (Hartmann) solution, intravenously over 15 minutes. If the patient is at risk of fluid overload (eg young children), dilute antivenom 1:5. sea snake bites

Premedication with adrenaline, antihistamines or corticosteroids is not recommended in Australia.

Supportive treatment for rhabdomyolysis after snake bite is outlined here.