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    Lily-of-the-valley

    Definition

    This is poisoning from eating parts of the lily-of-the-valley plant.

    Alternative Names

    Liljekonvall

    Poisonous Ingredient

    • Convallarin
    • Convallamarin
    Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

    Where Found

    The fruit, leaves, flowers, and roots of the lily-of-the-valley plant.

    Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

    Symptoms

    Eyes, ears, nose, mouth, and throat

    Skin

    Gastrointestinal

    • Loss of appetite
    • Vomiting or nausea
    • Stomach pain
    • Diarrhea

    Heart and blood

    • Irregular or slow heartbeat

    Nervous system

    • Drowsiness
    • Confusion
    • Depression
    • Headache
    • Fainting
    • Lethargy
    • Disorientation
    • Weakness

    Note: Depression, loss of appetite, and halos are usually only seen in chronic overdose cases.

    Before Calling Emergency

    Determine the following information:

    • Patient's age, weight, and condition
    • Name of the plant, if known  
    • Time it was swallowed
    • Amount swallowed

    The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.

    This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the U.S. use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

    Bring the plant with you to the emergency room, if possible.

    See National Poison Control Center.

    What to Expect at the Emergency Room

    The health care provider will measure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, blood pressure, and heart function.

    The patient may receive:

    • EKG
    • Medicines to treat symptoms
    • Medicines to make the person throw up
    • Medicine to reverse the effect of the poison
    • Activated charcoal
    • Laxative
    • Blood tests to determine serum magnesium levels and serum potassium levels
    • Treatment to correct electrolyte (potassium, magnesium) imbalances

    Outlook (Prognosis)

    If the individual survives the first 24 hours their chances of survival are very good.


    Review Date: 3/21/2006
    Reviewed By: Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-RooseveltHospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed HealthcareNetwork.
    The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
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