MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Pokeweed poisoning

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Pokeweed poisoning

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

Alternative Names

American nightshade poisoning; Inkberry poisoning; Pigeon Berry poisoning; Pokeberry poisoning; Scoke poisoning; Virginia poke poisoning

Definition Return to top

This is poisoning caused by eating pieces of the pokeweed plant.

Poisonous Ingredient Return to top

Phytolacca americana

Where Found Return to top

The highest amounts of poison are found in the roots, leaves, and stems. Small amounts are in the fruit. However, cooked berries and thoroughly leaves (cooked twice in separate water) can be eaten. The roots should never be eaten.

Symptoms Return to top

Weakness
Muscle spasms
Convulsions
Headache
Slow or difficult breathing
Stomach pain
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Rapid pulse
Low blood pressure
Heart block

Home Care Return to top

Do not make the person throw up unless told to do so by Poison Control or by a doctor.

Before Calling Emergency Return to top

Determine the following information:

Patient's age, weight, and condition
Time it was swallowed
Amount swallowed

Poison Control Return to top

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 Return to top

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

Outlook (Prognosis) Return to top

Deaths have been reported. Improper cooking of leaves or eating some of the roots with the leaves can cause serious poisoning. Eating more than 10 uncooked berries can cause serious consequences in children.

Update Date: 3/21/2006

Updated by: Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-RooseveltHospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed HealthcareNetwork.

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