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Contents of this page: | |
Alternative Names
Atropa belladonna poisoning; Bittersweet nightshade poisoning; Scarlet berry poisoning; Weedy nightshade poisoningDefinition Return to top
This is poisoning caused by eating parts of the blue nightshade plant.
Poisonous Ingredient Return to top
Solanine, which is very poisonous even in small amounts.
Where Found Return to top
The poison is found in the blue nightshade (Solanum dulcamara) plant, especially in the fruit and leaves.
Symptoms Return to top
Whole body
Lungs
Eyes, ears, nose, and throat
Gastrointestinal
Heart and blood
Nervous system
Before Calling Emergency Return to top
Determine the following information:
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.
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:
Outlook (Prognosis) Return to top
The faster medical treatment is received, the better the chance of recovery. In very rare cases, people have died from blue nightshade poisoning.
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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Page last updated: 02 January 2008 |