Fatal exposure to Aconitum napellus
German Jørgensen, J.ør.R.; Andersen, A.E.
Ugeskrift for Laeger 175(24): 1707-1708
2013
ISSN/ISBN: 1603-6824 PMID: 23763930 Document Number: 665714
Fatal exposure to poisonous plants in northern Europe is a rare condition. In this case report we describe an intended poisoning with Aconitum napellus (monkshood), which contains the toxin aconitine. The lethal dose in adults is 3-6 mg. The toxin affects excitable cells such as neurons and myocytes causing degrees of unconsciousness, hypotension and cardiac arrhythmias. There is no antidote and treatment is symptomatic. We describe a patient who had eaten monkshood. She was treated with infusion of lidocaine and survived. After 24 hours of treatment and monitoring she was discharged from the intensive care unit.