[Are cephalosporins more active than penicillin G in poisoning with the deadly Amanita?].

Abstract

High dose penicillin-G has been found empirically to be effective against liver cell damage in amanita mushroom poisoning. We have recently found that betalactam antibiotics inhibit eukaryotic DNA polymerase-alpha, penicillins being more active than cephalosporins, and this may explain the antagonistic effect of penicillin-G against amanitin toxicity. Preliminary experiments in liver cell cultures and in mice are summarized, as well as first clinical experience pointing to the possibility that cephalosporins may be more effective against amanita mushroom toxicity than penicillin-G.

• Authors: K Neftel, G Keusch, P Cottagnoud, U Widmer, M Hany, K Gautschi, B Joos, H Walt
• Journal: Schweizerische medizinische Wochenschrift (Schweiz Med Wochenschr) Vol. 118 Issue 2 Pg. 49-51 (Jan 16 1988) ISSN: 0036-7672 [Print] Switzerland
• Vernacular Title: Sind Cephalosporine bei der Intoxikation mit Knollenblätterpilz besser wirksam als Penicillin-G?
• PMID: 3278370 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Cephalosporins
• Ceftazidime
• Penicillin G

Topics

• Animals
• Ceftazidime (therapeutic use)
• Cells, Cultured
• Cephalosporins (therapeutic use)
• Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury (etiology, prevention & control)
• Chick Embryo
• Humans
• Mice
• Mushroom Poisoning (complications, drug therapy)
• Penicillin G (therapeutic use)