URL of this page: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002884.htm
Alternative names
Rosebay poisoning; Yellow oleander poisoning; Thevatia peruviana poisoningDefinition
This is poisoning from sucking nectar from the flowers or chewing leaves from the oleander or yellow oleander plant. Poisoning can also happen if you eat honey made by bees that used the oleander plant for nectar.
Poisonous Ingredient
Where Found
Twigs, leaves, and flowers of the oleander plant
Note: This list may not be all inclusive.Symptoms
Gastrointestinal
Heart and blood
Nervous system
Eyes, ears, nose, mouth, and throat
Skin
Note: Depression, loss of appetite, and halos are usually only seen in chronic overdose cases.
Home Treatment
Call Poison Control.
Before Calling Emergency
Determine the following information:
Poison Control, or a local emergency number
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 U.S. 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.
Bring the plant with you to the emergency room, if possible.
See National Poison Control Center.
What to expect at the emergency room
The health care provider will measure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure.
The patient may receive:
Expectations (prognosis)
If the individual survives the first 24 hours their chances of survival are very good.
Update Date: 3/21/2006 Updated by: Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-RooseveltHospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed HealthcareNetwork.