Elapid snake bite.

Four patients were admitted with respiratory muscle paralysis following an elapid snake bite. Two were treated with antivenine, repeated doses of neostigmine and artificial ventilation; the other two with artificial ventilation only. There was no clinically significant difference in recovery. It is suggested that one should avoid the use of antivenine and neostigmine in the management of elapid snake bite once muscle paralysis has become established.