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Spider Bite, Non-Serious

Care at Home

  1. Cleansing: Wash the bite thoroughly with soap and water.
  2. Meat Tenderizer: Rub the bite area with a cotton ball soaked in a meat tenderizer solution for 20 minutes. If not available, apply an ice pack for 20 minutes. EXCEPTION: don't use meat tenderizer near the eye.
  3. Pain Medication: For pain relief, take acetaminophen every 4-6 hours (e.g., Tylenol; adult dosage 650 mg) OR ibuprofen every 6-8 hours (e.g. Advil, Motrin; adult dosage 400 mg).
    • Do not take ibuprofen if you have stomach problems, kidney disease, are pregnant, or have been told by your doctor to avoid this type of anti-inflammatory drug. Do not take ibuprofen for more than 7 days without consulting your doctor.
    • Do not take acetaminophen if you have liver disease.
    • Read the package instructions thoroughly on all medications that you take.
  4. Expected Course: Some swelling and pain for 1 to 2 days. It shouldn't be any worse than a bee sting.
  5. IF your symptoms become worse: Review Should I Call? recommendations.
  1. Symptom Description
  2. Should I Call?

Adult Housecalls. Copyright © 2001-2008. David Thompson, M.D.
Reviewed/Modified: Jan. 2008 by Intermountain Healthcare, Inc.


© 2007 Intermountain Healthcare, Salt Lake City, Utah. All Rights Reserved.