Monday, September 6, 2010

Q: Give one non-infectious condition which can be treated by IV penicillin G?

Hint: It is use as an antidote.

Answer: A phalloides mushroom intoxication

There is no definitive antidote available for a phalloides mushroom intoxication, but high-dose continuous intravenous penicillin G has been reported to help but the exact mechanism is unknown.

Another useful treatment is said to be intravenous silibinin.

As with other toxin gastric decontamination with either activated carbon or gastric lavage should be done. Also like in other hepatic conditions associated with toxin ingestions N-acetylcysteine should also be used. Liver transplant team should be involved too.