Mixed intoxication with Aconitum nappellans (monkshood) and Digitalis grandiflora (large yellow foxglove).
BACKGROUND
Intoxications are frequent and relevant medical problems in emergency units.


METHODS
We report of a mixed intoxication with monkshood and large yellow foxglove. A 39-year-old mentally ill drug addict, intent on committing suicide, swallowed an undefined amount of chaffed monkshood and large yellow foxglove. The typical symptoms of an intoxication occurred, including high-grade ventricular and supraventricular tachyarrhythmias, colic abdominal pain, and peripheral paralysis. After activated charcoal was repeatedly administered as well as FAB digitalis-antibodies, a lasting normalisation of the heart rhythm set in and a release of the clinical symptoms could be observed.


CONCLUSIONS
FAB antibodies are a safe antidote for herbal digitalis intoxication. Therapy of choice for an aconitum poisoning is activated charcoal and intensive monitoring.
Kunz
Alexander
A
Department of Internal Medicine, Inselspital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
Marty
Hans
H
Nohl
Felix
F
Schmitt
Wolfgang
W
Schiemann
Uwe
U
D031841:Aconitum / Q000506:poisoning*; D000328:Adult; D004070:Digitalis / Q000506:poisoning*; D004452:Echocardiography; D006801:Humans; D007140:Immunoglobulin Fab Fragments / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male
D007140:Immunoglobulin Fab Fragments