What is the treatment for frog poison toxicity?

Treatment for Frog Poison Toxicity

For frog poison toxicity, immediately contact a poison control center (800-222-1222 in the US) while providing supportive care focused on the specific symptoms present, as management depends on the type of frog and toxin involved. 1

Initial Management

• Contact poison control center immediately for expert guidance on the specific frog toxin and appropriate treatment protocol 1, 2
• Remove all contaminated clothing and jewelry to prevent continued exposure to any toxins that may be on the skin 3, 4
• Do not administer anything by mouth unless specifically advised by poison control or emergency medical personnel 1, 3
• For skin exposure, thoroughly wash with soap and water to remove any remaining toxins 3

Route-Specific Management

Skin Exposure

• For skin contact with frog toxins, immediately wash the affected area with copious amounts of water 1
• For powdered chemicals from dried frog secretions, brush off with a gloved hand before washing 1

Eye Exposure

• Rinse eyes exposed to toxic substances immediately with copious amounts of water 1
• Continue irrigation for at least 15 minutes for chemical exposures 3

Ingestion

• Do not induce vomiting as this may worsen the condition 1, 3
• Do not administer activated charcoal unless specifically advised by poison control center 1
• Never administer syrup of ipecac as it has no clinical advantage and may cause intractable vomiting and delay care 1, 2

Specific Frog Toxin Management

Bufo Toad Toxins (Cardiac Glycoside-Like Effects)

• Monitor for bradycardia, hypotension, and cardiac arrhythmias 5
• Provide supportive care including cardiac monitoring and treatment of dysrhythmias 5
• In severe cases with confirmed cardiac glycoside toxicity, digoxin-specific antibody fragments (DsFab) may be beneficial 5
• Treat hyperkalemia if present, but use caution with calcium administration 5

Phyllomedusa bicolor (Kambo Frog)

• Monitor for severe vomiting which can lead to complications including esophageal rupture 6
• Watch for and treat hyponatremia, which may occur especially if ritual involved excessive water intake 7
• Be alert for neurological symptoms including seizures and altered mental status 7
• Provide supportive care for rhabdomyolysis if present with IV fluids and bicarbonate infusions 7

Monitoring and Supportive Care

• Provide immediate airway management if respiratory distress is present 2
• Administer vasopressors as needed for hypotension 2
• Treat seizures with benzodiazepines if they occur 2
• Monitor cardiac function with continuous ECG, particularly with suspected cardiotoxic frog poisons 5
• Check electrolytes, particularly potassium and sodium levels 5, 7

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Do not delay supportive care while waiting for identification of the specific frog toxin 2
• Do not administer oxygen at high concentrations in certain toxins (like paraquat) without specific guidance 4
• Avoid inducing emesis as it may worsen the condition and lead to aspiration 1, 3
• Do not assume all frog toxins have the same effects - treatment must be tailored to the specific toxin involved 8, 5

Follow-up Care

• Consider consultation with a medical toxicologist for complex cases 2
• Monitor for delayed complications, particularly with ingestion of frog meat or eggs 5
• Hospitalization may be required, with duration depending on severity (median 2 days in one study) 5