Poisoning with Veratrum-containing sneezing powders.
1 Nine cases of accidental poisoning of children with sneezing powder are reported. Symptoms, besides sneezing, included gastrointestinal disturbances and syncope, whilst examination demonstrated bradycardia and hypotension. 2 The powder, as supplied, carried no information on its constituents but Veratrum alkaloids were identified on analysis. The signs and symptoms observed were compatible with poisoning from these compounds. 3 As a result of these observations, it was possible to trace the manufacturers and a change was made to a safer formulation. This example emphasises the value of toxic vigilance by Poison Control Centres.
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002855:Chromatography, Thin Layer; D005260:Female; D005751:Gastric Lavage; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013058:Mass Spectrometry; D010988:Play and Playthings; D012912:Sneezing; D014704:Veratrum Alkaloids / Q000097:blood / Q000506:poisoning*
D014704:Veratrum Alkaloids