Which action regarding botulinum antitoxin timing is correct?

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Administer botulinum antitoxin as soon as botulism is suspected to halt progression, along with supportive care such as airway management until recovery. The toxin blocks acetylcholine release at the neuromuscular junction, causing rapidly progressive weakness and potential respiratory failure. The antitoxin works by neutralizing toxin that is still circulating in the bloodstream, but it cannot reverse damage that has already occurred at nerve terminals. Because waiting for confirmation can allow more toxin to bind and worsen paralysis, treatment should start on clinical suspicion to reduce severity and duration. Supportive care is essential because recovery can take weeks to months as nerves recover. Antibiotics are not the primary treatment for the toxin-mediated illness, and botulism does not resolve on its own without intervention.