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Lily-of-the-valley

Definition

Lily-of-the-valley is a flowering plant. Lily-of-the-valley poisoning occurs when someone eats parts of this plant.

This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local emergency number (such as 911) or the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

Alternative Names

Liljekonvall

Poisonous Ingredient

• Convallarin
• Convallamarin
• Convallatoxin

Note: This list may not include all poisonous ingredients.

Where Found

The flowers, fruit, and leaves of the lily-of-the-valley plant are poisonous.

Symptoms

• Eyes, ears, nose, mouth, and throat
  • Blurred vision
  • Excessive urination at night
  • Halos around objects (yellow, green, white)
• Gastrointestinal
  • Diarrhea
  • Loss of appetite
  • Stomach pain
  • Vomiting or nausea
• Heart and blood
  • Irregular or slow heartbeat
• Nervous system
  • Confusion
  • Depression
  • Disorientation
  • Drowsiness
  • Fainting
  • Headache
  • Lethargy
  • Weakness
• Skin
  • Rash
  • Hives

Note: Depression, loss of appetite, and halos are usually only seen in chronic overdose cases.

Home Care

Seek immediate medical help. Do NOT make a person throw up unless told to do so by poison control or a health care professional.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

• Patient's age, weight, and condition
• Name of the plant, if known  
• Time it was swallowed
• Amount swallowed

Poison Control

The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.

This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

See: Poison control center - emergency number

What to Expect at the Emergency Room

The health care provider will measure and monitor your vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Symptoms will be treated as appropriate. You may receive:

• Activated charcoal
• Blood tests to determine serum magnesium levels and serum potassium levels
• Electrocardiogram (EKG)
• Laxative
• Medicine (antidote) to reverse the effect of the poison
• Treatment to correct electrolyte (potassium, magnesium) imbalances

Outlook (Prognosis)

How well you do depends on the amount of poison swallowed and how quickly treatment is received. The faster you get medical help, the better the chance for recovery.

References

Aks S, Leikin J. Digoxin toxicity. In: Strange GR, Ahrens WR, Lelyveld S, eds. Pediatric Emergency Medicine: A Comprehensive Study Guide. 2nd ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2002:chap 92.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.