Black widow spider

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Arachnids, basic features

Arthropods, basic features

Black widow spider

Seek immediate emergency medical treatment. Then, wrap ice in a washcloth or similar material and place it on the bite area. Leave it on for 10 minutes and then off for 10 minutes. Repeat this process.

Determine the following information:

• Patient's age, weight, and condition
• Time the bite occurred
• Area where the bite occurred
• Type of spider, if possible

The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.

This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the U.S. use this national number.

The symptoms may be treated with a variety of therapies, including:

• Pain medication
• Muscle relaxants
• Blood pressure drugs

In severe cases, anti-venin medication will be given. This drug may cause a dangerous reaction in people who are allergic to horses.

Severe symptoms usually go away within 2 to 3 days, but milder symptoms may persist for several weeks. Death in a normally healthy individual is very rare. Young children may not survive a bite.  

Review Date: 02/13/2006
Reviewed By: Stephen C Acosta, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, Portland VA MedicalCenter, Portland, OR. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.