Oleander

Definition:

Poisoning from sucking nectar from the flowers, chewing leaves, using the branches as skewers to roast meat, or from honey made by bees using the oleander plant for nectar.

Alternative Names:

Common oleander; Rosebay

Poisonous Ingredient:

neriin
oleondroside
oleandrin

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Where Found:

twigs, leaves, and flowers of the oleander plant

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Symptoms:

body as a whole
- weakness
- dizziness
eyes, ears, nose, and throat
- blurred vision
- halos around objects (yellow, green, white) *
skin
- rash
- hives
gastrointestinal
- loss of appetite *
- vomiting or nausea
- abdominal pain (lower stomach)
- diarrhea
heart and blood vessels
- irregular heartbeat (or slow)
- low blood pressure
nervous system
- drowsiness
- confusion
- depression *
- headache
- fainting
- lethargy
- disorientation
- death

*Usually only seen in chronic overdose

Home Treatment:

Do not induce emesis (vomiting) unless instructed to do so by Poison Control or by a physician.

If instructed to induce emesis, proceed as follows or as otherwise instructed:

Give the usual dose of ipecac syrup: 15 milliliters (ml) or 1 Tablespoonful for children and 30 ml (2 Tablespoonful) for an adult. Follow with 1/2 glass or 4 ounces (oz.) of water for children or 8 to 12 oz. of water for adults. Repeat 1 more time in 1/2 hour if emesis has not occurred.

Before Calling Emergency:

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:

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

What to expect at the emergency room:

Some or all of the following procedures may be performed:

induce emesis
administer activated charcoal
gastric lavage
monitor vital signs ( blood pressure, pulse, and so forth)
monitor EKG (monitors heart function)
blood samples drawn to determine:
- serum magnesium level
- serum potassium levels
administration of antidote and other medication to correct problems resulting from the overdose if needed
correction of electrolyte (potassium, magnesium) imbalances

Expectations (prognosis):

If the individual survives the first 24 hours their chances of survival are very good.

Review Date: 1/15/2002
Reviewed By: Victoria Kennedy, RN, A.D.A.M. editorial.

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