MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Dieffenbachia

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Dieffenbachia

Contents of this page:
Alternative Names Definition Poisonous Ingredient Symptoms Home Care	Before Calling Emergency Poison Control What to Expect at the Emergency Room Outlook (Prognosis)

Alternative Names

Dumbcane; Leopard lily; Tuft root

Definition Return to top

This article describes poisoning caused by eating the Dieffenbachia plant leaf.

Poisonous Ingredient Return to top

oxalic acid
asparagine,
a protein found in this plant

Symptoms Return to top

The possible symptoms include:

Burning in mouth or throat
Swelling in mouth or tongue
Hoarse voice
Eye pain
Corneal abrasion
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea

Home Care Return to top

Wipe out the mouth with a cold, wet cloth. Give milk to drink.

Before Calling Emergency Return to top

Determine the following information:

The patient's age, weight, and condition
The parts of the plant that were eaten
The time it was swallowed
The amount swallowed

Poison Control Return to top

Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. They will instruct you if it is necessary to take the patient to the hospital. Bring the plant with you to the emergency room for identification.

What to Expect at the Emergency Room Return to top

The symptoms will be treated.

Outlook (Prognosis) Return to top

These plants may cause swelling severe enough to block the airway, but this is very rare.

Update Date: 2/13/2006

Updated by: Eric Perez, M.D., Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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