Coral snake bites may be trivial in effect, or they may cause profound and life-threatening respiratory paralysis, depending on the severity of the envenomation. Venom toxins target the neuromuscular junction, where effects typically become apparent hours following the bite, by which time the clinical syndrome may be irreversible. Unless neurotoxicity is prevented, ventilatory paralysis may cause death or require intensive care for weeks after the bite. Prevention of paralysis, historically, has involved treating all bite victims with antivenom.