Can ceftriaxone (Ceftriaxone) and metronidazole (Metrogyl) be given in cases of mushroom poisoning?

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Last updated: June 28, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Guidelines

Ceftriaxone and metronidazole are not the primary treatments for mushroom poisoning and should only be considered if there's a suspicion of secondary bacterial infection. The management of mushroom poisoning primarily involves supportive care, with treatments tailored to the specific toxin and clinical presentation. For instance, in cases of Amanita phalloides poisoning, treatments may include activated charcoal, intravenous fluid resuscitation, and in severe cases, liver transplantation 1. The use of antibiotics such as ceftriaxone and metronidazole would be more appropriate if there were concerns about secondary bacterial infections or aspiration pneumonia, rather than as a direct treatment for the mushroom poisoning itself. Some key considerations in the management of acute liver failure due to mushroom poisoning include the administration of specific treatments like penicillin G and silymarin, as well as the potential need for liver transplantation in severe cases 1. Key points to consider in the treatment of mushroom poisoning include:

  • Immediate medical attention is crucial
  • Identification of the mushroom, if possible, to guide specific treatment
  • Supportive care as the mainstay of treatment
  • Consideration of treatments like activated charcoal and intravenous fluids
  • Potential need for liver transplantation in severe cases
  • Antibiotics like ceftriaxone and metronidazole may be considered for secondary infections, not as primary treatment for mushroom poisoning.

From the Research

Mushroom Poisoning Treatment

The provided studies do not specifically address the use of ceftriaxone and metronidazole in mushroom poisoning.

  • The treatment for mushroom poisoning typically involves gastric lavage, activated charcoal, and supportive care, as seen in the case report of Scleroderma albidum poisoning 2.
  • The management of mushroom poisoning is often based on the type of toxin and the resulting clinical symptoms, with seven different types of mushroom poisoning distinguished, including phalloides, orellanus, gyromitra, muscarine, pantherina, psilocybin, and gastrointestinal mushroom syndrome 3.
  • Muscarinic poisoning from mushrooms can be treated with atropine, which is the treatment of choice 4.
  • Syndromic diagnosis and treatment of mushroom poisoning involve dividing the major syndromes by presentation timing, with early syndromes having little probability to cause organ damage and late syndromes being life-threatening due to liver- and renal failure 5.
  • Early onset muscarinic manifestations after wild mushroom ingestion can include symptoms such as blurred vision, diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps, highlighting the importance of a syndromic classification of mushroom poisoning 6.

Antibiotic Use in Mushroom Poisoning

There is no direct evidence to support the use of ceftriaxone and metronidazole in mushroom poisoning.

  • The use of antibiotics in mushroom poisoning is not typically recommended, unless there is a secondary bacterial infection.
  • The primary treatment for mushroom poisoning focuses on supportive care, gastric decontamination, and management of symptoms.

References

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Research

Clinical symptomatology and management of mushroom poisoning.

Toxicon : official journal of the International Society on Toxinology, 1993

Research

[Mushroom poisonings: syndromic diagnosis and treatment].

Wiener medizinische Wochenschrift (1946), 2007

Research

Early onset muscarinic manifestations after wild mushroom ingestion.

International journal of emergency medicine, 2008

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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