 |
Back to Health Library Print This Page  Email to a Friend  |
Foxglove poisoning
Definition
Foxglove poisoning usually occurs from sucking the flowers or eating the seeds, stems, or leaves of the foxglove plant.
Poisoning may also occur from taking more than the recommended amounts of medicines made from foxglove.
This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local emergency number (such as 911) or the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.
Alternative Names
Willow-leaved foxglove poisoning; Revebjelle poisoning
Poisonous Ingredient
- Deslanoside
- Digitoxin
- Digitalis glycosides
Where Found
- Flowers, leaves, stems, and seeds of the foxglove plant
- Heart medicine (digitalis glycosides)
Symptoms
Possible symptoms include:
- Blurred vision
- Confusion
- Depression
- Disorientation or hallucinations
- Fainting
- Halos around objects (yellow, green, white)
- Headache
- Irregular or slow heartbeat
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Low blood pressure
- Rash or hives
- Stomach pain
- Vomiting, nausea, or diarrhea
- Weakness or drowsiness
Hallucinations, loss of appetite, and halos are usually only seen in people who have been poisoned over a long period of time.
Home Treatment
Seek immediate medical help. Do NOT make a person throw up unless told to do so by Poison Control or a health care professional.
Before Calling Emergency
Determine the following information:
- Patient's age, weight, and condition
- Name of the plant or medication, 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 United States 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.
What to expect at the emergency room
The health care provider will measure and monitor your vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Symptoms will be treated as appropriate. You may receive:
- Activated charcoal
- Breathing support
- Fluids through a vein (IV)
- Electrocardiogram (EKG)
- Temporary pacemaker to increase heart rate
- Tube through the mouth into the stomach to wash out the stomach (gastric lavage)
Expectations (prognosis)
How well you do depends on the amount of poison swallowed and how quickly treatment is received. The faster you get medical help, the better the chance for recovery.
References
Graeme K. Toxic plant ingestions. In: Auerbach PS, ed. Wilderness Medicine. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2007:chap 58.
Reviewed By: Jacob L. Heller, MD, MHA, Emergency Medicine, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
