Dieffenbachia poisoning

Dieffenbachia is a type of house plant with large, colorful leaves. Poisoning can occur if you eat the leaves, stalk, or root of this plant.

This article is for information only. DO NOT use it to treat or manage an actual poison exposure. If you or someone you are with has an exposure, call your local emergency number (such as 911), or your local poison center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States.

Poisonous Ingredient

Poisonous ingredients include:

• Oxalic acid

  Oxalic acid

  Oxalic acid is a poisonous, colorless substance. This article discusses poisoning from swallowing oxalic acid. This article is for information only....

   

  Read Article Now Book Mark Article
• Asparagine, a protein found in this plant

  Protein

  Proteins are the building blocks of life. Every cell in the human body contains protein. The basic structure of protein is a chain of amino acids. ...

   

  Read Article Now Book Mark Article

Symptoms

Symptoms may include:

• Burning in mouth or throat
• Damage to cornea of the eye
• Diarrhea
• Eye pain
• Hoarse voice
• Nausea and vomiting
• Swelling and blistering in the mouth or tongue

Blistering and swelling in the mouth may be severe enough to prevent normal speaking and swallowing.

Home Care

Wipe out the mouth with a cold, wet cloth. Rinse the person's eyes and skin well if they touched the plant. Give milk to drink. Call poison control for more guidance.

Before Calling Emergency

Get the following information:

• Person's age, weight, and condition
• Parts of the plant that were eaten, if known
• Time swallowed
• Amount swallowed

Poison Control

Your local poison center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States. This 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.

What to Expect at the Emergency Room

Take the plant with you to the hospital, if possible.

The health care provider will measure and monitor the person's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Symptoms will be treated as appropriate. The person may receive breathing support and fluids through a vein (IV).

Outlook (Prognosis)

If contact with the person's mouth is not severe, symptoms usually resolve within a few days. For people who do have severe contact with the plant, a longer recovery time may be necessary.

DO NOT touch or eat any plant with which you are not familiar. Wash your hands after working in the garden or walking in the woods.