FAILURE OF 3,4-DIAMINOPYRIDINE AND EDROPHONIUM TO PRODUCE SIGNIFICANTCLINICAL BENEFIT IN NEUROTOXICITY FOLLOWING THE BITE OF PAPUAN TAIPAN(OXYURANUS-SCUTELLATUS-CANNI)

Progressive systemic neurotoxicity is a common feature in patients env enomed following the bite of a Papuan taipan (Oxyuranus scutellatus ca nni). Respiratory paralysis, which commonly results, accounts for cons iderable morbidity and mortality. Established neurotoxicity does not r espond to antivenom. In this study, a combination of clinical and elec trophysiological variables was used to assess the effect of edrophoniu m 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 use d in combination, but was insufficient to be of significant clinical b enefit. Neither drug can be recommended for use in the management of P apuan taipan bite.