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Blue nightshade poisoning

Definition

Blue nightshade poisoning occurs when someone eats parts of the blue nightshade plant.

Alternative Names

Bittersweet poisoning; Bitter nightshade poisoning; Scarlet berry poisoning; Weedy nightshade poisoning

Poisonous Ingredient

• Atropine
• 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

• Eyes, ears, nose, and throat
  • Enlarged (dilated) pupils
• Gastrointestinal
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Stomach pain
  • Vomiting
• Heart and blood
  • Pulse - slow pulse
  • Shock
• Lungs
  • Slow breathing
• Nervous system
  • Delirium
  • Hallucinations
  • Headache
  • Loss of sensation
  • Paralysis
• Whole body
  • Fever
  • Lower-than-normal temperature
  • Sweating

Home Care

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, if known  
• Time it was swallowed
• Amount swallowed

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.

See: Poison control center - emergency number

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
• Fluids by IV
• Tube through the mouth into the stomach to wash out the stomach (gastric lavage)

Outlook (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.

Palmer M, Betz J. Plants. In: Hoffman RS, Goldfrank LR, Flomenbaum NE, et al., eds. Goldfrank's Toxicologic Emergencies. 7th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2002:chap 78.

Review Date: 2/27/2008
Reviewed By: Stephen C. Acosta, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, Portland VA Medical Center, Portland, OR. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.