Page 43 - 2026 SMOG
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GLOBAL SPIDER ENVENOMATION
While many spiders produce venom, the vast majority lack sufficiently large or strong enough
fangs to penetrate human skin and cause clinically significant effects. However, spiders venomous
to humans can be found throughout much of the world. The chart below provides information
regarding clinically significant venomous spider species.
Clinically Significant Venomous Spider
Widow Spiders Violin Spider Funnel Web Spiders
(Lactrodectus spp.) (Loxosceles reclusa) (Atrax)
Black Widow Brown Recluse Australian Funnel
Red Widow Fiddleback Spider Web Spider
Brown Widow
Africa X X
Asia X X
Australia X X X
Europe X
North
America X X
South X X
America
Antivenom Yes No Yes
Available
Treatment • Supportive Care • Supportive Care • Elastic Crepe
˚ Benzodiazepines for ˚ ˚ Wound Management Bandage
muscle spasm
Tight enough to
Tetanus prophylaxis
˚
˚ Tetanus prophylaxis • Pain Management limit lymphatic
• Pain Management ˚ Acetaminophen spread
˚ Acetaminophen ˚ NSAIDs ˚ DO NOT
˚ NSAIDs • Antipruritics prn restrict blood
˚
Opioids
Opioids
flow
˚
• Antivenom • Treat significant ˚ DO NOT
˚ Monitor for hemolysis with blood remove until
antivenom is
transfusions
indications of
anaphylaxis available
(continues)
2026 Standard Medical Operating Guidelines (SMOG) • 35
