#TOXINology see also: [[Funnel-web spider]] > [!important] Key Points > - **risk_dose**:: > - **Antidote**:: redback spider antivenom > - **key_points**:: not life threatening. reassure patient RAVE trial redback antivenom - controversial - IV vs IM - generally for refractive pain The offending agent acts at presynaptic membranes to allow the release of multiple motor endplate neurotransmitters resulting in delayed onset 10-15 min later of intense pain and pilo-erection. This may progress to severe diaphoresis, hypertension and tachycardia. - Venom of the Latrodectus genus contains **alpha-latrotoxin**. This toxin acts pre-synaptically to open cation channels (including calcium channels) and stimulate the release of multiple motor end-plate neurotransmitters. - Redback spider bites are not immediately painful. Intense local pain develops 5-10 minutes after the bite and is followed by sweating and pilo-erection within an hour. - Systemic envenomation occurs in a significant minority of patients. - Pain typically radiates proximally from the bite site to become regional then general. - Autonomic features include severe sweating, which may be regional or generalised, mild hypertension and tachycardia. ![[Pasted image 20240415091453.png]]