Dieffenbachia

Definition:

Poisoning caused by consumption of plant material from the Dieffenbachia (mother-in-law plant) leaf.

Alternative Names:

Dumbcane; Leopard Lily; Tuft Root

Poisonous Ingredient:

oxalic acid
asparagine,
a protein found in this plant

Where Found:

Dieffenbachia (mother-in-law plant)

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Symptoms:

body as a whole
- burning in mouth
- swelling of tongue
- swelling of mouth
eyes, ears, nose, and throat
- burning in throat
- hoarse voice
- eye pain
- corneal abrasion
gastrointestinal
- nausea and/or vomiting
- diarrhea

Home Treatment:

Wipe out the mouth with a cold, wet cloth. Give milk to drink.

Wash eyes with water if exposed.

Before Calling Emergency:

Determine the following information:

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

Poison Control, or a local emergency number:

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 for identification.

What to expect at the emergency room:

Treat the symptoms.

Expectations (prognosis):

Oxalate plants may cause swelling severe enough to block the airway, but this is very rare.

Review Date: 1/14/2002
Reviewed By: Victoria Kennedy, RN, A.D.A.M. editorial.

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