Box Jellyfish Antivenom

Question 1

What is box jellyfish antivenom?

Answer 1

Box jellyfish antivenom (20 000 units/1.5 - 4mL) is an antivenom that neutralises the toxins present in the box jellyfish venom.

Metabolised in hepatic & muscle tissue.

Question 2

Indications for box jellyfish antivenom?

Answer 2

1. Box jellyfish envenomation associated with any of the following:
   - A patient currently in cardiac arrest
   - Decreased LOC
   - Cardiac and/or respiratory compromise
   - Total surface area affected greater than half the surface area of one limb
   - Intractable pain unrelieved by icepacks, methoxyflurane and/or narcotic analgesia

Question 3

Contraindications for box jellyfish antivenom?

Answer 3

1. Allergy/ADR

Question 4

What is the dose for box jellyfish antivenom for patients in cardiac arrest?

Answer 4

20 000 units IV

Slow push over 2 min
Repeated immediately up to 2 tims
Total max dose 60 000 units

Preparation:
Mix 20 000 units with sodium chloride to achieve final concentration of 20 000 units in 20mL