Poisoning with Jimson weed. Five cases treated with physostigmine
Amlo, H.; Haugeng, K.L.; Wickstrøm, E.; Koss, A.; Husebye, T.; Jacobsen, D.
Tidsskrift for den Norske Laegeforening Tidsskrift for Praktisk Medicin Ny Raekke 117(18): 2610-2612
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 0029-2001 PMID: 9324814 Document Number: 479589
During the autumn of 1995, the National Poisons Information Centre was contacted about several cases of poisoning with Jimson weed (Datura stramonium). Five cases are described here. Upon admission to hospital the patients had moderate to severe anticholinergic symptoms, such as mydriasis, sinus tachycardia, agitation, dry mouth, urine retention, fever, hypertension, hallucinations and seizures. Owing to their agitated behaviour, gastrointestinal decontamination was impossible. Repeated doses of physostigmine (2-3 mg) administered intravenously reversed the anticholinergic features without side-effects. In the most severe case, physostigmine was needed for 18 hours (total dose; 25.5 mg). The patients recovered in a day or two, but mydriasis persisted in many cases.