Health Encyclopedia

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.

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.

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
Blood tests to determine digitalis, magnesium, and potassium levels
Electrocardiogram (EKG)
Medicine (antidote) to reverse the effect of the poison
Medicines to correct any electrolyte (potassium, magnesium) imbalances
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.

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.

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