Home/Medicines/Antivenom, Crotalidae (Pit Viper)
All medicines

Antivenom, Crotalidae (Pit Viper)

Prescription
Antivenom / Antivenin
Last reviewed 22 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
2 available
Formulations
2

Mechanism of action

Crotalidae polyvalent immune Fab fragments (CroFab) or equine F(ab')2 fragments (Anavip) that bind and neutralize venom toxins (metalloproteinases, phospholipases, myotoxins) from pit vipers (rattlesnakes, copperheads, cottonmouths), preventing tissue destruction and coagulopathy.

At a glance

Class
Antivenom / Antivenin
Schedule
Prescription
Storage
Refrigerate 2–8°C; reconstituted use within 4h; do not freeze

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Used for pit viper envenomation (rattlesnake bites)
Dose
Route
IV infusion
Frequency
Repeat as needed q1–2h
🐈

Cat

Cat snakebites are less common
Dose
Route
IV
Frequency
As needed
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Formulations

💊

Other — 2

Strength
Strength

Storage

Refrigerate 2–8°C; reconstituted use within 4h; do not freeze

Safety

Monitoring parameters

Coagulation panel q4–6h (PT, aPTT, fibrinogen, platelets, D-dimer)Swelling progression (mark margins with pen q1h)Pain assessmentVital signs during infusionMonitor for anaphylaxis first 15 min
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Interactions

No documented interactions.

Brands

United States

CroFab
BTG International
Anavip
Rare Disease Therapeutics

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

What is Antivenom, Crotalidae (Pit Viper)?
Antivenom, Crotalidae (Pit Viper) is a antivenom / antivenin used in pets. Crotalidae polyvalent immune Fab fragments (CroFab) or equine F(ab')2 fragments (Anavip) that bind and neutralize venom toxins (metalloproteinases, phospholipases, myotoxins) from pit vipers (rattlesnakes, copperheads, cottonmouths), preventing tissue destruction and coagulopathy.
What is Antivenom, Crotalidae (Pit Viper) used for in pets?
Antivenom, Crotalidae (Pit Viper) is used in veterinary medicine for: Used for pit viper envenomation (rattlesnake bites); Cat snakebites are less common.
What is the Antivenom, Crotalidae (Pit Viper) dose for dogs?
For dogs, Antivenom, Crotalidae (Pit Viper) is typically dosed as follows — Used for pit viper envenomation (rattlesnake bites): undefined undefined IV infusion Repeat as needed q1–2h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
What is the Antivenom, Crotalidae (Pit Viper) dose for cats?
For cats, Antivenom, Crotalidae (Pit Viper) is typically dosed as follows — Cat snakebites are less common: undefined undefined IV As needed. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
Does Antivenom, Crotalidae (Pit Viper) need a prescription?
Yes. Antivenom, Crotalidae (Pit Viper) is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

References

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

  • Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
  • Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
  • Merck Veterinary Manual
  • NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
  • Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
  • AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
  • ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
  • RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

  • EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
  • JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

  • CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

  • Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database
Need help? 💬
Chat with us on WhatsApp