What Is the Difference Between Antivenom and Antivenin?

In the United States, envenomation (the injection of venom) usually happens during an encounter with a snake, spider, or insect. Antivenom (often spelled “antivenin”) is an antibody product that can disable a particular venom's toxins.

Why is it antivenin and not antivenom?

Both “antivenene” and “antivenin” were used as nouns from their first appearance, sometimes as a contraction of “antivenom serum,” and they were never hyphenated. A more general contraction was “anti-serum” or “antiserum,” which could refer to antivenin or to an antitoxin for infectious disease.

What is antivenin used for?

Crotalidae antivenin is an anti-venom used to treat a person who has been bitten by a poisonous snake such as a rattlesnake or Water Moccasin. Antivenin (Crotalidae) polyvalent may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.