MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Jimsonweed

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Jimsonweed

Contents of this page:
Alternative names Definition Poisonous Ingredient Where Found Symptoms	Home Treatment Before Calling Emergency Poison Control, or a local emergency number What to expect at the emergency room Expectations (prognosis)

Alternative names

Angel's trumpet; Devil's weed; Thorn apple; Tolguacha

Definition Return to top

Poisoning from sucking the flower nectar, eating the seeds, or drinking "tea" made from the leaves. The plant also is known as Jamestown weed, thorn apple, stinkweed, Datura, and moonflower.

Poisonous Ingredient Return to top

hyoscyamine
atropine
hyoscine (scopolamine)

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Where Found Return to top

The poison is found in all parts of the plant, especially the leaves and seeds. Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Symptoms Return to top

body as a whole
- thirst
- headache
- fever
- dizziness
- urinary retention
eyes, ears, nose, and throat
- blurred vision
- dry mouth
- dilated pupils
skin
- red skin
gastrointestinal
- nausea
- vomiting
heart and blood vessels
- rapid pulse
- elevated blood pressure
nervous system
- hallucinations
- convulsions
- delirium
- coma
- death

Home Treatment Return to top

Do not induce vomiting unless instructed to do so by Poison Control or by a physician. Contact Poison Control Center for appropriate treatment.

Before Calling Emergency Return to top

Determine the following information:

the patient's age, weight, and condition
the name of the plant
the time it was swallowed
the amount swallowed

Poison Control, or a local emergency number Return to top

They will instruct you if it is necessary to take the patient to the hospital. See Poison Control centers for telephone numbers and addresses. Bring the plant with you to the emergency room.

What to expect at the emergency room Return to top

Some or all of the following procedures may be performed:

activated charcoal and a laxative may be administered
induce vomiting
gastric lavage
medications given to counteract the effects of the toxins
cool water sponge bath to decrease fever
monitor vital signs

Expectations (prognosis) Return to top

The prognosis (probable outcome)

Possible outcome depends on the amount consumed, the age of the individual, and the time elapsed prior to proper medical care being administered.
Symptoms last for 1-3 days and usually require hospitalization. Death is unlikely.

Update Date: 2/23/2004

Updated by: Cherlin Johnson, M.D., Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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