Use of neostigmine in black mamba snake bite: a case report

Abstract

Snake bite is quite common in most of the countries of the world, especially tropics and subtropical areas. The snake venom is usually one of the two types; neurotoxins and hemotoxins or hemolysins. The management of snake bite consists of supportive treatment and anti-snake venom serum. The patients suffering from respiratory problems due to muscular paralysis will require mechanical ventilatory support. We present a case of a victim of black mamba bite, which is one of the most dreaded snakes in Africa. His recovery was slow and marred with coagulation profile derangement. Finally we started neostigmine and atropine and witnessed a dramatic improvement in his muscle power. He rapidly improved and was discharged with complete recovery.