title: Conservative treatment of jimsonweed ingestion.
abstract: The use of physostigmine for the treatment of jimsonweed ingestion remains controversial. We have reviewed the records of 29 cases reported to the Kentucky Regional Poison Center (KRPC) over a 7-y period during which time physostigmine was not recommended by the Center to assess the results of conservative therapy. 28/29 cases represented intentional abuse; 26/29 were males and the mean age for the group was 18.9 y (range 16 mo to 39 y). The reported ingested amounts ranged from a few to 1/2-cup of seeds. Typical mild anticholinergic symptoms including mydriasis, tachycardia, flushing, hallucinations, and both agitated behavior and lethargy were observed. No patient had life-threatening symptoms. All cases were referred to the Emergency Department, although only 20 complied. Of these, 17 were admitted for stays of 1-3 d (mean 1.8). Seventeen patients received activated charcoal on recommendation of the KRPC. Three patients with hallucinations received 1 or more doses of valium or haloperidol for sedation. All patients recovered uneventfully. We conclude that conservative treatment of jimsonweed ingestion is safe and adequate.
authors.affiliation: Kentucky Regional Poison Control Center, Kosair Children's Hospital, Louisville 40232-5070.
authors.forename: G C
authors.initials: GC
authors.lastname: Rodgers
authors.forename: R L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Von Kanel
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002400:Cathartics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002606:Charcoal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D013286:Datura stramonium; D005260:Female; D006213:Hallucinogens; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D010946:Plants, Medicinal; D010947:Plants, Toxic; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012737:Sex Factors; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D002400:Cathartics; D006213:Hallucinogens; D002606:Charcoal