RT Book, Section 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 SR Print(0) ID 1181050942 T1 Gila Monster Envenomation T2 The Atlas of Emergency Medicine, 5e YR 2021 FD 2021 PB McGraw-Hill PP New York, NY SN 9781260134940 LK accessmedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=1181050942 RD 2024/10/07 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.