IDENTIFICATION
The correct identification of this plant is imperative. If the identity is uncertain, seek clarification from a reliable source such as a garden center or botanist. |
Different Conium species cause different toxic effects. Generalizations should never be made as to symptoms expected. “Hemlock” may refer to Conium maculatum or Cicuta spp.. Both are highly toxic but have very different effects.   |
HABITAT
Conium maculatum is native to Europe and West Asia. It has been introduced to America, North Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. |
USES
Extracts of this species were used both as a sedative and an antispasmodic. However, because of the plants toxicity, it was discontinued by the early 20th century. |
This species has no known uses and is classified as a weed.
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INTERVENTION CRITERIA
Decontamination, if appropriate, and monitoring is recommended: - For all known or suspected ingestions of hemlock With environmental exposures involving dermal contact, management depends on clinical presentation. Refer all symptomatic cases to an appropriate health care facility. |
All patients require medical attention. |
If medical observation is required, the patient must be monitored for 4 hours following exposure for onset or worsening of symptoms. |
If the patient is asymptomatic at the end of the observation period, and if they have been appropriately decontaminated and any investigations have been completed, they may be: Discharged into the care of a reliable observer, or Referred for psychological assessment if the overdose or exposure was with intent to self-harm |
A mousy odor is associated with Conium maculatum; this odor on the breath or in the urine can be used as a diagnostic clue. However, absence of this odor does not rule out exposure. |
Coniine (or other plant alkaloids) blood levels are not readily available, nor necessary for clinical management.
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Admission to an intensive care facility is required for those suffering significant signs of toxicity including: CNS depression Convulsions Respiratory depression Hypotension Bradycardia |
TREATMENT
TREATMENT SUMMARY
Administration of activated charcoal may be considered within one hour of ingestion; however, benefit is unproven, and risks of seizure, vomiting, and aspiration potentially out-weigh gain.  There are no specific antidotes and no methods for enhancing elimination can be recommended. Supportive care is the mainstay of management with primary emphasis on cardiovascular and respiratory support. In severe cases, particular care should be given to airways management and respiratory support is vital in obtaining a positive outcome, as death is usually due to respiratory paralysis. Routine supportive care should be used for the treatment of other effects. Nausea and vomiting may persist requiring symptomatic care with IV rehydration or antiemetic drugs, appropriate fluid and electrolyte balance must be maintained. Hypotension usually responds to intravenous fluids, sympathomimetics may be needed. Rarely cardiac dysrhythmias occur and should be managed using standard electrical and/or pharmacological methods. Extreme agitation or seizures can be a complicating feature and should be treated with a benzodiazepine. Atropine may be used to control manifestations from parasympathetic stimulation, such as diarrhea, urination, bronchospasm, emesis, lacrimation, and sweating. Monitor for rhabdomyolysis and acute renal failure. |
EMERGENCY STABILIZATION
Ensure Adequate Cardiopulmonary Function |
Ensure the airway is protected if compromised (intubation may be necessary). |
Immediately establish secure intravenous access. |
Administer a benzodiazepine as first-line treatment to patients with seizure activity.  Blood glucose concentration should be promptly determined. If the result indicates hypoglycemia, or is unobtainable, supplemental dextrose should be administered IV. |
Heart rate Respiratory rate Seizure activity
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DECONTAMINATION
Single Dose Activated Charcoal |
Decontamination with activated charcoal is recommended for recent ingestions of hemlock. However, as hemlock commonly produces vomiting, CNS or respiratory depression, the time frame for successful administration is limited and risks pulmonary aspiration. In symptomatic patients general supportive measures should take precedence over decontamination.  |
Administer activated charcoal up to 1 hour following a potentially toxic ingestion.  |
Single dose activated charcoal CHILD 1 to 2 g/kg orally ADULT 50 to 100 g orally |
Nasogastric Administration |
Nasogastric instillation of activated charcoal is not recommended unless the ingestion is potentially severely toxic and oral administration is not possible. Confirmation of accurate placement of the nasogastric tube after airway protection is secured must be ensured. |
If necessary, remove contaminated clothing or jewelry. Flush the affected area with water as soon as possible. Continue to irrigate until all of the contaminant is removed. |
Remove contact lenses. Irrigate immediately with water or saline for at least 15 minutes. If the eye is contaminated with solid particles, the eyelid should be completely everted and any solid material removed as quickly as possible whilst continuing to irrigate. A topical anesthetic may be necessary in some patients, especially children, to enable the patient to open the lids sufficiently for effective irrigation. |
If, following irrigation, any of the following are apparent: Ocular pain (other than mild and resolving) Erythema (other than mild and resolving) Decreased visual acuity Ocular discharge/crusting A full ophthalmologic examination should be undertaken and any injury appropriately treated. |
ANTIDOTE(S)
There Are No Antidotes For This Substance |
There is no specific antidote for the treatment of this poisoning. Treatment is based on symptomatic and supportive care. |
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
The effects of coniine are similar to those of nicotine, but with more pronounced CNS and curare-like actions. General signs are salivation, vomiting, dilation of the pupils, blurred vision, incoordination, myalgia, muscle fasciculations or flaccid paralysis, coldness of the extremities, and slow weak pulse. Subsequently the pulse may become rapid and thready followed by coma, convulsions, and eventually death from respiratory paralysis.   Rhabdomyolysis and subsequent renal failure have also been reported.  |
Systemic symptoms can occur after ingestion of fresh hemlock plant material; drying is thought to somewhat reduce toxicity, but poisonings have still occurred. Seeds of hemlock are toxic whether fresh or dried. Although the active alkaloids are oily volatile liquids, deaths have been reported after drinking liquid from boiling hemlock leaves.  Poisoning has also transpired from use of the hollow stem as a musical instrument or pea shooter.  Meat of birds, which eat hemlock seeds during migratory flights, is also poisonous to humans.  |
Onset/Duration of Symptoms |
Symptoms could be expected to appear quite promptly, due to rapid absorption and the onset of similar compounds such as nicotine. One report describes the onset of symptoms occurring within 30 minutes of eating hemlock leaves  whereas another case reports the death of a child 3 hours after ingesting plant leaves.  Effects usually persist for between 4 to 24 hours.   Animal studies have shown an onset of 0.5 to 2 hours with duration of 3 to 7 hours.   |
Mild Conium maculatum Toxicity | Moderate Conium maculatum Toxicity | Severe Conium maculatum Toxicity | GI effects Thirst Nausea Vomiting Agitation | Severe GI effects Salivation Abdominal pain Mydriasis Muscle weakness Muscle fasciculations Myalgia Drowsiness Tachycardia Tachypnea Respiratory depression | Bradycardia Hypotension Seizures Paralysis Rhabdomyolysis Renal failure Respiratory failure Coma |
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Do Not Archive. This document is current on day of issue,
NZ: 21.Jan.2021 |
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