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Oleander poisoning

Rosebay poisoning; Yellow oleander poisoning; Thevetia peruviana poisoning

 

Oleander poisoning occurs when someone eats the flowers or chews the leaves or stems of the oleander plant ( Nerium oleander ), or its relative, the yellow oleander ( Cascabela thevetia ).

This article is for information only. DO NOT use it to treat or manage an actual poison exposure. If you or someone you are with has an exposure, call your local emergency number (such as 911), or your local poison center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States.

Poisonous Ingredient

 

Poisonous ingredients include:

  • Digitoxigenin
  • Neriin
  • Oleandrin
  • Oleondroside

Note: This list may not include all poisonous ingredients.

 

Where Found

 

The poisonous substances are found in all parts of the oleander plant:

  • Flowers
  • Leaves
  • Stems
  • Twigs

 

Symptoms

 

Oleander poisoning can affect many parts of the body.

HEART AND BLOOD

  • Irregular or slow heartbeat
  • Low blood pressure
  • Weakness

EYES, EARS, NOSE, MOUTH, AND THROAT

  • Blurred vision
  • Vision disturbances, including halos

STOMACH AND INTESTINES

  • Diarrhea
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Stomach pain

NERVOUS SYSTEM

  • Confusion
  • Death
  • Depression
  • Disorientation
  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Fainting
  • Headache
  • Lethargy

SKIN

  • Hives
  • Rash

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

 

Home Care

 

Seek immediate medical help. DO NOT make a person throw up unless told to do so by poison control or a health care provider.

 

Before Calling Emergency

 

Get the following information:

  • Person's age, weight, and condition
  • Name and part of the plant swallowed, if known
  • Time it was swallowed
  • Amount swallowed

 

Poison Control

 

Your local poison center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States. This 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.

 

What to Expect at the Emergency Room

 

The provider will measure and monitor the person's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Symptoms will be treated as appropriate. The person may receive:

  • Activated charcoal
  • Blood and urine tests
  • Breathing support
  • Chest x-ray
  • EKG (electrocardiogram, or heart tracing)
  • Fluids through a vein (IV)
  • Medicines to treat symptoms including an antidote to reverse the effects of the poison
  • Tube through the mouth into the stomach to wash out the stomach ( gastric lavage )

 

Outlook (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.

Symptoms last for 1 to 3 days and may require a hospital stay. Death is unlikely.

DO NOT touch or eat any plant with which you are not familiar. Wash your hands after working in the garden or walking in the woods.

 

 

Open References

References

Graeme K. Toxic plant ingestions. In: Auerbach PS, ed. Wilderness Medicine . 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Mosby; 2012:chap 64.

 
  • Oleander (Nerium oleander)

    Oleander (Nerium oleander) - illustration

    Oleander (Nerium oleander) is a common ornamental evergreen shrub. It is used as a freeway median divider in warmer states, such as California. This plant is extremely toxic, and a single leaf may kill an adult. This photograph shows oleander not yet in bloom.

    Oleander (Nerium oleander)

    illustration

    • Oleander (Nerium oleander)

      Oleander (Nerium oleander) - illustration

      Oleander (Nerium oleander) is a common ornamental evergreen shrub. It is used as a freeway median divider in warmer states, such as California. This plant is extremely toxic, and a single leaf may kill an adult. This photograph shows oleander not yet in bloom.

      Oleander (Nerium oleander)

      illustration

    Self Care

     

      Tests for Oleander poisoning

       
         

        Review Date: 11/4/2015

        Reviewed By: Jesse Borke, MD, FACEP, FAAEM, Attending Physician at FDR Medical Services/Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital, Buffalo, NY. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. Editorial update 10/26/2016.

        The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

         
         
         

         

         

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