The venom of the northern death adder is highly potent against the human organism. It contains pre- and postsynaptic
neurotoxins, possibly
myotoxins and
anticoagulants as well. An envenoming by this snake is very dangerous, and all bites should be treated as medical emergencies. Main effects include local pain and flaccid
paralysis, death can be caused by
respiratory failure. In the case of systemic effects of envenoming key treatment is based on
antivenom applications ('Polyvalent Snake Antivenom (Australia - New Guinea)'
CSL Limited, 'Death Adder Antivenom', CSL Limited). == Habitat ==