Comments for consumers
This page/column contains information which may be of interest to consumers. The information is based on articles which appear in Australian Prescriber. As Australian Prescriber is written for health professionals, you should discuss any issues raised by this page/column with your doctor or pharmacist. They will be able to give a more detailed answer to your questions by reading the main article.
Australian Prescriber is unable to comment on individual cases or give second opinions.
Australian Prescriber Vol. 29 No. 6 2006
Spider bite
Redback and funnel-web spiders can inject a poison when they bite. These bites are painful and can make people very ill.
If a person is bitten by a funnel-web spider apply a pressure bandage (see snake bite) and take them to hospital. Pressure bandaging is not recommended for redback spider bites. Injections of antivenom may be needed to counteract the spider's poison.
Contact the Poisons Information Centre for further information (phone 13 11 26).
