Black widow spider bite
About Black widow spider bite
The female black widow gives the more serious bite, but its bite is rarely lethal. The spider is identified by the red hourglass marking on its belly. The bite feels like a pinprick. Some do not remember being bitten. The symptoms range from redness around the bite to severe abdominal pain, and muscle pain. The pain can be severe enough to be mistaken for appendicitis. These bites do not cause necrotic lesionsSymptoms
Anxiety, abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, extremely painful muscle cramps, headache, high blood pressure, increased salivation, increased sweating, muscle weakness, nausea and vomiting, numbness, restlessness. Sometimes confused with possible kidney stones, appendicitis, or other acutely painful conditions.Tests & Diagnostics
A history and physical exam will be performed. Basic tests to measure the extent of envenomation may be performed.Common tests: BHCG, Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP).
OTC sleep aids and supportive treatments
Prescription medications
Conventional treatment summary
Depends on the symptoms but may include muscle relaxants, pain medications and medication for elevated blood pressure. An antivenom is available and may be indicated in severe cases. Recommend consulting with a medical toxicologist to discuss administration of antivenom. For more information and help call your local poison center at 1-800-222-1222.Medical specialties
Medical Toxicology
This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Black widow spider bite.