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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 poisoningPoisonous 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
- Headache
- Delirium
- Loss of sensation
- Hallucinations
- Paralysis
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 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)
Expectations (prognosis)
The faster medical treatment is received, the better the chance of recovery. In very rare cases, people have died from blue nightshade poisoning.
Reviewed By: Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-RooseveltHospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed HealthcareNetwork.
