Failure of 3,4-diaminopyridine and edrophonium to produce significant clinical benefit in neurotoxicity following the bite of Papuan taipan (Oxyuranus scutellatus canni).

Progressive systemic neurotoxicity is a common feature in patients envenomed following the bite of a Papuan taipan (Oxyuranus scutellatus canni). Respiratory paralysis, which commonly results, accounts for considerable morbidity and mortality. Established neurotoxicity does not respond to antivenom. In this study, a combination of clinical and electrophysiological variables was used to assess the effect of edrophonium and 3,4-diaminopyridine in patients with significant neurotoxicity. Both drugs produced minor electrophysiological and clinical changes in envenomed patients. This effect was maximal when the 2 drugs were used in combination, but was insufficient to be of significant clinical benefit. Neither drug can be recommended for use in the management of Papuan taipan bite.