TY - CHAP M1 - Book, Section TI - Gila Monster Envenomation A1 - Zafren, Ken A1 - Thurman, R. Jason A1 - Jones, Ian D. A2 - Knoop, Kevin J. A2 - Stack, Lawrence B. A2 - Storrow, Alan B. A2 - Thurman, R. Jason PY - 2021 T2 - The Atlas of Emergency Medicine, 5e AB - The Gila monster (Heloderma suspectum) is a venomous lizard found in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. The only other venomous lizard in the Americas is the Mexican beaded lizard, found from Mexico to Guatemala. Both species are unlikely to bite unless provoked. They secrete venom into their saliva and increase saliva production when they are agitated. When biting their victim, the Gila monster chews rather than injecting, is known to hang on vigorously, and often must be forced to release its powerful grasp. Teeth may break off and contaminate wounds. Like snake venoms, Gila monster and beaded lizard venoms are complex mixtures of proteolytic enzymes and vasoactive substances. The bite may cause pain with local edema and proximal radiation. Tachycardia and hypotension may occur, along with anaphylactic reactions. Systemic complaints may include generalized weakness, nausea and vomiting, diaphoresis, and paresthesias. SN - PB - McGraw-Hill CY - New York, NY Y2 - 2024/10/08 UR - accessmedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=1181050942 ER -