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    Blue nightshade poisoning

    Definition

    This is poisoning caused by eating parts of the blue nightshade plant.

    Alternative Names

    Atropa belladonna poisoning; Bittersweet nightshade poisoning; Scarlet berry poisoning; Weedy nightshade poisoning

    Poisonous Ingredient

    Solanine, which is very poisonous even in small amounts.

    Where Found

    The poison is found in the blue nightshade (Solanum dulcamara) plant, especially in the fruit and leaves.

    Symptoms

    Whole body

    • Temperature - lower than norma
    • Fever
    • Sweating

    Lungs

    • Breathing - slow

    Eyes, ears, nose, and throat

    • Dilated pupils

    Gastrointestinal

    • Stomach pain
    • Nausea
    • Vomiting
    • Diarrhea

    Heart and blood

    Nervous system

    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, and blood pressure.

    The patient may receive:

    • Medicines to treat symptoms
    • Medicines to make the person throw up
    • Activated charcoal
    • A nasogastric (NG) tube thru the nose into the stomach to empty the stomach (gastric lavage)   

    Outlook (Prognosis)

    The faster medical treatment is received, the better the chance of recovery. In very rare cases, people have died from blue nightshade poisoning.


    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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