| Subject | Contents |
| Definition | Poisoning in children occurs from sucking the flowers or eating the seeds, stems, and/or leaves. In adults it usually results from overdosing of any of the digitalis glycosides (digitoxin, deslanoside, and digoxin). |
| Alternative Names | Willow-Leaved Foxglove; Revebjelle |
| Poisonous Ingredient | deslanoside digitoxin digoxin digitalis glycosides Note: This list may not be all inclusive. |
| Where Found | Flowers, leaves, stems, and seeds of the foxglove plant. Note: This list may not be all inclusive. |
| Symptoms | body as a whole weaknessheadachedepressionhallucinations * eyes, ears, nose, and throat blurred visionhalos around objects (yellow, green, white) * skin rashhives gastrointestinal loss of appetite * vomiting or nauseaabdominal pain (lower stomach) diarrhea heart and blood vessels irregular heartbeat (or slow) low blood pressure nervous system drowsinessconfusion depression * headache faintinglethargy disorientation * Usually only seen in chronic overdose cases |
| Home Treatment | Do not induce emesis ( vomiting ) unless instructed to do so by Poison Control or by a physician. If instructed to induce emesis, proceed as follows or as otherwise instructed: Give the usual dose of ipecac syrup: 15 milliliters (ml) or 1 TABLEspoonful for children and 30 ml (2 TABLEspoonsful) for an adult. Follow with 1/2 glass or 4 ounces (oz.) of water for children or 8 to 12 oz. of water for adults. Repeat 1 more time in 1/2 hour if emesis has not occurred. |
| Before Calling Emergency | Determine the following information: the patient's age, weight, and condition the name of the product (ingredients and strengths if known) or plant the time it was swallowed the amount swallowed |
| Poison Control, or a local emergency number | They will instruct you if it is necessary to take the patient to the hospital. See Poison Control centers for telephone numbers and addresses. Take the container or plant with you to the emergency room. |
| What to expect at the emergency room | Some or all of the following procedures may be performed: induce emesis use gastric lavage administer activated charcoal monitor vital signs ( blood pressure , pulse , and so forth) monitor EKG (monitors heart function) blood samples drawn to determine digitalis levels, as well as magnesium and potassium levels administration of antidote and other medication to correct problems resulting from the overdose if needed correction of electrolyte (potassium, magnesium) imbalances |
| Expectations (prognosis) | The prognosis (probable outcome): If the individual survives the first 24 hours their chances of survival are very good. |
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