Jimsonweed

• Alternative names
• Definition
• Poisonous Ingredient
• Where Found
• Symptoms

• Home Treatment
• Before Calling Emergency
• Poison Control, or a local emergency number
• What to expect at the emergency room
• Expectations (prognosis)

Alternative names   

Definition    Return to top

Poisoning from sucking the flower nectar, eating the seeds, or drinking "tea" made from the leaves. The plant also is known as Jamestown weed, thorn apple, stinkweed, Datura, and moonflower.

Poisonous Ingredient    Return to top

• hyoscyamine
• atropine
• hyoscine (scopolamine)

Where Found    Return to top

• The poison is found in all parts of the plant, especially the leaves and seeds. Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Symptoms    Return to top

• body as a whole
  • thirst
  • headache
  • fever
  • dizziness
  • urinary retention
• eyes, ears, nose, and throat
  • blurred vision
  • dry mouth
  • dilated pupils
• skin
  • red skin
• gastrointestinal
  • nausea
  • vomiting
• heart and blood vessels
  • rapid pulse
  • elevated blood pressure
• nervous system
  • hallucinations
  • convulsions
  • delirium
  • coma
  • death

Home Treatment    Return to top

Do not induce vomiting unless instructed to do so by Poison Control or by a physician. Contact Poison Control Center for appropriate treatment.

Before Calling Emergency    Return to top

Determine the following information:

• the patient's age, weight, and condition
• the name of the plant
• the time it was swallowed
• the amount swallowed

Poison Control, or a local emergency number    Return to top

They will instruct you if it is necessary to take the patient to the hospital. See Poison Control centers for telephone numbers and addresses. Bring the plant with you to the emergency room.

What to expect at the emergency room    Return to top

Some or all of the following procedures may be performed:

• activated charcoal and a laxative may be administered
• induce vomiting
• gastric lavage
• medications given to counteract the effects of the toxins
• cool water sponge bath to decrease fever
• monitor vital signs

Expectations (prognosis)    Return to top

The prognosis (probable outcome)

• Possible outcome depends on the amount consumed, the age of the individual, and the time elapsed prior to proper medical care being administered.
• Symptoms last for 1-3 days and usually require hospitalization. Death is unlikely.