Funnel-web spider bite

This article describes the effects of a bite from the funnel-web spider. Male funnel-web spiders are more poisonous than females.

This article is for information only. DO NOT use it to treat or manage a bite from this type of spider. If you or someone you are with has an exposure, call your local emergency number (such as 911), or your local poison center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States.

Poisonous Ingredient

The venom in the funnel-web spider contains the poison.

Where Found

Funnel-web spiders are found in southeast Australia, around Sydney. They are not native to the United States, although some people may keep them as exotic pets.

Symptoms

Funnel-web spider bites are very painful and dangerous. They have been known to cause these symptoms in different parts of the body:

Eyes, ears, nose, and throat

• Drooling
• Drooping eyelids
• Double vision
• Swallowing difficulty
• Tingling or numbness in the mouth or lips within 10 to 15 minutes

Heart and blood

• Collapse
• Rapid heart rate

Lungs

• Difficulty breathing

Muscles and joints

• Joint pain
• Severe muscle spasms, usually in the legs and belly area

Nervous system

• Agitation
• Confusion
• Coma
• Headache
• Numbness of mouth and lips
• Tremors
• Shivering (chills)

Skin

• Heavy sweating
• Redness around the site of the bite

Stomach and intestines

• Diarrhea
• Nausea and vomiting

Home Care

Funnel-web spider bites are very poisonous. Seek medical help right away. Call the Poison Control Center for guidance.

Follow these steps until medical help is given:

• Apply a bandage and put firm pressure over the bite.
• Keep the affected area still, if possible, to prevent the venom from spreading. A homemade splint may be helpful if the bite was on the arms, legs, hands, or feet.
• Loosen clothing and remove rings and other tight jewelry.

Before Calling Emergency

Have this information ready:

• Person's age, weight, and condition
• Time the bite occurred
• Type of spider, if possible

Poison Control

Your local poison center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States. They will give you further instructions.

Poison Help hotline

For a POISON EMERGENCY call:1-800-222-1222ANYWHERE IN THE UNITED STATESThis national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. This ...

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This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

What to Expect at the Emergency Room

The health care provider will measure and monitor the person's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. The wound will be treated as appropriate.

The person may receive:

• Antivenin, a medicine to reverse the effects of the venom, if available
• Breathing support, including oxygen, tube through the mouth into the throat, and breathing machine
• Blood and urine tests
• Chest x-ray
• EKG (electrocardiogram, or heart tracing)
• Intravenous fluids (through a vein)
• Medicines to treat symptoms

Outlook (Prognosis)

Funnel-web spider bites can be life threatening, especially in children. They must be treated quickly with antivenin by an experienced provider. Even with appropriate and quick treatment, symptoms may last for several days to weeks.