Antidote (Antivenom)
PREGNANCY RECOMMENDATION:Limited Human Data—No Relevant Animal Data
BREASTFEEDING RECOMMENDATION:Probably Compatible
Three case reports of patients who received black widow spider antivenin during pregnancy were located. One use occurred at 16 weeks’ gestation, another at 22 weeks, and the third at 38 weeks’ gestation. Two patients delivered healthy newborns at term. The third patient did well after treatment, was discharged, but the delivery information was not supplied. The antivenin is not likely to cross the placenta in clinically significant amounts. However, this limited human pregnancy experience prevents a complete assessment of the embryofetal risk. Animal reproduction studies have not been performed. Using this antivenin during pregnancy should be based on the pros and cons of the mother’s clinical need for treatment versus any potential fetal risk that might occur from exposure.
No reports describing the use of black widow spider antivenin during human lactation have been located. The antivenin is not likely to be found in breast milk. However, if any of the globulins were to be ingested through breastfeeding, because they are proteins, they would probably be digested in the infant’s gastrointestinal tract and not be absorbed. Using this antivenin while breastfeeding should be based on the mother’s clinical need for treatment.