Health Encyclopedia

Lily-of-the-valley

Definition

Lily-of-the-valley is a flowering plant. Lily-of-the-valley poisoning occurs when someone eats parts of this plant.

Alternative Names

Liljekonvall

Poisonous Ingredient

Convallarin
Convallamarin
Convallatoxin

Note: This list may not include all poisonous ingredients.

Where Found

The flowers, fruit, and leaves of the lily-of-the-valley plant are poisonous.

Symptoms

Eyes, ears, nose, mouth, and throat
- Blurred vision
- Excessive urination at night
- Halos around objects (yellow, green, white)
Gastrointestinal
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Stomach pain
- Vomiting or nausea
Heart and blood
- Irregular or slow heartbeat
Nervous system
- Confusion
- Depression
- Disorientation
- Drowsiness
- Fainting
- Headache
- Lethargy
- Weakness
Skin
- Rash
- Hives

Note: Depression, loss of appetite, and halos are usually only seen in chronic overdose cases.

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, 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 serum magnesium levels and serum potassium levels
Electrocardiogram (EKG)
Laxative
Medicine (antidote) to reverse the effect of the poison
Treatment to correct electrolyte (potassium, magnesium) imbalances

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

Aks S, Leikin J. Digoxin toxicity. In: Strange GR, Ahrens WR, Lelyveld S, eds. Pediatric Emergency Medicine: A Comprehensive Study Guide. 2nd ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2002:chap 92.

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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