Venomous Australian Creatures: The Action of their Toxins and the Care of the Envenomated Patient

Abstract

Potentially fatal bites and stings by Australian terrestrial and marine animals are relatively common, but with correct management of victims, death should be an infrequent occurrence. The known pharmacopathological actions of some of these venoms are enumerated and specific antidotes are described. In cases of certain venoms against which no “specific” treatment has yet been developed, an approach to management based upon clinical and experimental evidence is presented.