Unlike some other antivenoms, it is not limited to patients with signs of severe, systemic envenoming.

Both cardiotoxicity and reliable nonspecific signs of envenoming were absent.

Antivenom is indicated in anyone suffering symptoms consistent with Latrodectus envenoming.

Systemic envenoming may follow the local effects.

Most bites are caused by female spiders; the male katipo was considered too small to cause systemic envenoming in humans.

Some spines may break off as the barb exits the wound and stay within the victim causing prolonged envenoming.

However, one scientific animal study found no benefit in preventing necrosis, with the study's results showing it increased inflammation and caused symptoms of systemic envenoming.

Systemic envenoming is heralded by swollen or tender regional lymph nodes; associated features include malaise, nausea, vomiting, abdominal or chest pain, generalised sweating, headache, fever, hypertension and tremor.