Treat pruritus and erythema with antihistamines and corticosteroids. Relieve severe pain with parenteral or enteral analgesics. Eye Ocular injury due to tarantula hairs can be complicated and requires ophthalmologic consultation. After initial evaluation, patients should be treated with a topical broad-spectrum antibiotic. As with skin contact, tetanus prophylaxis is indicated when the eye is involved.
Ophthalmologic consultation is mandatory in such exposures.
Medical therapy is directed mainly at symptom relief. Antivenom specific to Atrax has been developed and is used in Australia. Administer as in adults Contraindications Documented hypersensitivity, neonates, premature infants, nursing mothers Interactions Potentiates effects of CNS depressants Pregnancy B - Usually safe but benefits must outweigh the risks. Since it also may inhibit body's defense mechanism against infection, a concomitant antimicrobial drug may be used, giving rationale for combination. Anti-infective components are included to provide action against specific susceptible organisms.