Black nightshade poisoning

Definition

This is poisoning caused by eating pieces of the black nightshade plant.

Alternative Names

Poisonous Ingredient

• Solanine (very toxic even in small quantities)
• Atropine

Where Found

Black nightshade plant, especially in the unripened fruit and leaves.

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal

• Stomach pain
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

Heart and blood

• Pulse - slow or rapid
• Shock

Nervous system

• Headache
• Delirium
• Loss of sensation
• Hallucinations
• Paralysis

Whole body

• Temperature - lower than normal
• Fever
• Sweating

Lungs

• Breathing - slowed

Eyes, ears, nose, mouth, and throat

• Dilated pupils

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

Poison Control, or a local emergency number

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 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)   

Expectations (prognosis)

The faster a person get treatment, the better the chance for recovery. In rare cases, people who have black nightshade poisoning have died.