Strychnine poisoning: Difference between revisions
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[[File:Strychnine2.svg| | {{SI}} | ||
{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Strychnine poisoning | |||
| image = [[File:Strychnine2.svg|200px]] | |||
| caption = Chemical structure of strychnine | |||
| field = [[Toxicology]] | |||
| symptoms = [[Muscle spasms]], [[seizures]], [[hyperreflexia]], [[opisthotonus]], [[trismus]] | |||
| complications = [[Rhabdomyolysis]], [[renal failure]], [[respiratory failure]] | |||
| onset = Minutes to hours after exposure | |||
| duration = Hours to days | |||
| causes = Exposure to [[strychnine]] | |||
| risks = Handling [[pesticides]], [[herbal medicine]] containing strychnine | |||
| diagnosis = Based on [[clinical presentation]] and [[toxicology screen]] | |||
| differential = [[Tetanus]], [[seizure disorder]], [[hypocalcemia]], [[meningitis]] | |||
| prevention = Avoid exposure to strychnine | |||
| treatment = [[Supportive care]], [[benzodiazepines]], [[muscle relaxants]], [[activated charcoal]] | |||
| prognosis = Variable; can be fatal without treatment | |||
| frequency = Rare | |||
}} | |||
'''Strychnine poisoning''' is a form of [[poisoning]] that occurs due to the ingestion or exposure to [[strychnine]], a highly toxic, colorless, bitter crystalline alkaloid used as a [[pesticide]], particularly for killing small vertebrates such as birds and rodents. Strychnine poisoning is characterized by severe, painful muscle spasms and convulsions, which can lead to death through asphyxiation or exhaustion. | |||
==Sources of Strychnine== | ==Sources of Strychnine== | ||
Strychnine is derived from the seeds of the [[Strychnos nux-vomica]] tree, which is native to [[India]] and [[Southeast Asia]]. It has been historically used in [[medicine]] and as a [[performance-enhancing drug]] in small doses, but its use is now limited due to its high toxicity. | Strychnine is derived from the seeds of the [[Strychnos nux-vomica]] tree, which is native to [[India]] and [[Southeast Asia]]. It has been historically used in [[medicine]] and as a [[performance-enhancing drug]] in small doses, but its use is now limited due to its high toxicity. | ||
==Mechanism of Action== | ==Mechanism of Action== | ||
Strychnine acts as a [[neurotoxin]] by inhibiting the action of the neurotransmitter [[glycine]] in the [[central nervous system]]. Glycine normally acts to inhibit motor neurons, and its inhibition by strychnine leads to unchecked muscle contractions and convulsions. The toxin primarily affects the [[spinal cord]] and the [[brainstem]]. | Strychnine acts as a [[neurotoxin]] by inhibiting the action of the neurotransmitter [[glycine]] in the [[central nervous system]]. Glycine normally acts to inhibit motor neurons, and its inhibition by strychnine leads to unchecked muscle contractions and convulsions. The toxin primarily affects the [[spinal cord]] and the [[brainstem]]. | ||
==Symptoms== | ==Symptoms== | ||
The symptoms of strychnine poisoning typically appear within 15 to 60 minutes of exposure and include: | The symptoms of strychnine poisoning typically appear within 15 to 60 minutes of exposure and include: | ||
| Line 17: | Line 33: | ||
* [[Cyanosis]] (bluish discoloration of the skin due to lack of oxygen) | * [[Cyanosis]] (bluish discoloration of the skin due to lack of oxygen) | ||
* [[Death]] due to asphyxiation or exhaustion | * [[Death]] due to asphyxiation or exhaustion | ||
==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
Diagnosis of strychnine poisoning is primarily clinical, based on the characteristic symptoms and history of exposure. Laboratory tests can confirm the presence of strychnine in the blood, urine, or gastric contents. | Diagnosis of strychnine poisoning is primarily clinical, based on the characteristic symptoms and history of exposure. Laboratory tests can confirm the presence of strychnine in the blood, urine, or gastric contents. | ||
==Treatment== | ==Treatment== | ||
Treatment of strychnine poisoning is supportive and symptomatic. It includes: | Treatment of strychnine poisoning is supportive and symptomatic. It includes: | ||
| Line 27: | Line 41: | ||
* [[Mechanical ventilation]] in cases of respiratory failure | * [[Mechanical ventilation]] in cases of respiratory failure | ||
* [[Intravenous fluids]] and supportive care | * [[Intravenous fluids]] and supportive care | ||
==Prognosis== | ==Prognosis== | ||
The prognosis of strychnine poisoning depends on the dose and the promptness of treatment. With rapid and appropriate medical intervention, the chances of survival increase significantly. However, severe cases can result in long-term neurological damage or death. | The prognosis of strychnine poisoning depends on the dose and the promptness of treatment. With rapid and appropriate medical intervention, the chances of survival increase significantly. However, severe cases can result in long-term neurological damage or death. | ||
==Prevention== | ==Prevention== | ||
Preventing strychnine poisoning involves careful handling and storage of strychnine-containing products, using protective equipment, and adhering to safety guidelines. Public awareness and education about the dangers of strychnine are also crucial. | Preventing strychnine poisoning involves careful handling and storage of strychnine-containing products, using protective equipment, and adhering to safety guidelines. Public awareness and education about the dangers of strychnine are also crucial. | ||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
* [[Poisoning]] | * [[Poisoning]] | ||
| Line 40: | Line 51: | ||
* [[Convulsion]] | * [[Convulsion]] | ||
* [[Respiratory failure]] | * [[Respiratory failure]] | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
{{Reflist}} | {{Reflist}} | ||
==External links== | ==External links== | ||
{{Commons category|Strychnine poisoning}} | {{Commons category|Strychnine poisoning}} | ||
[[Category:Poisoning]] | [[Category:Poisoning]] | ||
[[Category:Neurotoxins]] | [[Category:Neurotoxins]] | ||
[[Category:Medical emergencies]] | [[Category:Medical emergencies]] | ||
[[Category:Toxicology]] | [[Category:Toxicology]] | ||
{{medicine-stub}} | {{medicine-stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 18:21, 8 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Strychnine poisoning | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms | N/A |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Muscle spasms, seizures, hyperreflexia, opisthotonus, trismus |
| Complications | Rhabdomyolysis, renal failure, respiratory failure |
| Onset | Minutes to hours after exposure |
| Duration | Hours to days |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Exposure to strychnine |
| Risks | Handling pesticides, herbal medicine containing strychnine |
| Diagnosis | Based on clinical presentation and toxicology screen |
| Differential diagnosis | Tetanus, seizure disorder, hypocalcemia, meningitis |
| Prevention | Avoid exposure to strychnine |
| Treatment | Supportive care, benzodiazepines, muscle relaxants, activated charcoal |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Variable; can be fatal without treatment |
| Frequency | Rare |
| Deaths | N/A |
Strychnine poisoning is a form of poisoning that occurs due to the ingestion or exposure to strychnine, a highly toxic, colorless, bitter crystalline alkaloid used as a pesticide, particularly for killing small vertebrates such as birds and rodents. Strychnine poisoning is characterized by severe, painful muscle spasms and convulsions, which can lead to death through asphyxiation or exhaustion.
Sources of Strychnine[edit]
Strychnine is derived from the seeds of the Strychnos nux-vomica tree, which is native to India and Southeast Asia. It has been historically used in medicine and as a performance-enhancing drug in small doses, but its use is now limited due to its high toxicity.
Mechanism of Action[edit]
Strychnine acts as a neurotoxin by inhibiting the action of the neurotransmitter glycine in the central nervous system. Glycine normally acts to inhibit motor neurons, and its inhibition by strychnine leads to unchecked muscle contractions and convulsions. The toxin primarily affects the spinal cord and the brainstem.
Symptoms[edit]
The symptoms of strychnine poisoning typically appear within 15 to 60 minutes of exposure and include:
- Severe muscle spasms and convulsions
- Stiffness of the neck and back
- Hyperreflexia
- Opisthotonus (severe arching of the back)
- Trismus (lockjaw)
- Respiratory failure
- Cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the skin due to lack of oxygen)
- Death due to asphyxiation or exhaustion
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis of strychnine poisoning is primarily clinical, based on the characteristic symptoms and history of exposure. Laboratory tests can confirm the presence of strychnine in the blood, urine, or gastric contents.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment of strychnine poisoning is supportive and symptomatic. It includes:
- Immediate gastric lavage or administration of activated charcoal to prevent further absorption of the toxin
- Administration of benzodiazepines or barbiturates to control convulsions
- Mechanical ventilation in cases of respiratory failure
- Intravenous fluids and supportive care
Prognosis[edit]
The prognosis of strychnine poisoning depends on the dose and the promptness of treatment. With rapid and appropriate medical intervention, the chances of survival increase significantly. However, severe cases can result in long-term neurological damage or death.
Prevention[edit]
Preventing strychnine poisoning involves careful handling and storage of strychnine-containing products, using protective equipment, and adhering to safety guidelines. Public awareness and education about the dangers of strychnine are also crucial.
See also[edit]
References[edit]
<references group="" responsive="1"></references>
External links[edit]
