Jimsonweed Health Article

Definition

This is poisoning from sucking the juice or eating the seeds from a jimsonweed plant. You can also be poisoned by drinking tea made from the leaves.

Jimsonweed is known as Jamestown weed, thorn apple, stinkweed, Datura, and moonflower.

Alternative Names

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

Poisonous Ingredient

• Hyoscyamine
• Atropine
• Hyoscine (scopolamine)

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Where Found

The poison is found in all parts of the plant, especially the leaves and seeds.

Symptoms

Bladder and kidneys

• Little to no urine production (Urine retention)

Eyes, ears, nose, throat, and mouth

• Blurred vision
• Dry mouth
• Dilated pupils

Skin

• Red skin

Gastrointestinal

• Nausea
• Vomiting

Heart and blood

• Rapid pulse
• Elevated blood pressure

Nervous system

• Hallucinations
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Convulsions
• Delirium
• Coma
• Death

Whole Body

• Fever
• Thirst

Home Treatment

Do not make the person throw up unless told to do so by a doctor or Poison Control.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

• Patient's age, weight, and condition
• Name of the plant
• 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 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.

Bring the plant with you to the emergency room, if possible.

See National Poison Control Center.

What to expect at the emergency room

The health care provider will measure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure.

The patient may receive:

• Medicines to treat symptoms
• Medicines to make the person throw up
• Medicines to reverse the effects of the poison
• Activated charcoal
• Laxative
• A nasogastric (NG) tube thru the nose into the stomach to empty the stomach (gastric lavage)   

Expectations (prognosis)

Symptoms last for 1-3 days and usually require hospitalization. Death is unlikely.

How well a patient does depends on how much of the poison was swallowed, their age, and how quickly treatment was received.