Citation

Chan TY, Tomlinson B, Chan WW, Yeung VT, Tse LK. J. Trop. Med. Hyg. 1993; 96(1): 62-63.

Affiliation

Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1993, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

8429578

Abstract

A case of aconitine poisoning following the ingestion of 'chuanwu', the main root of Aconitum carmichaeli, and 'caowu', the root of Aconitum kusnezoffii is described. A 35-year-old man became unwell about 90 minutes after ingesting these herbs and his symptoms lasted for about two days. In addition to the typical gastrointestinal (nausea and vomiting) and neurological (generalized weakness, numbness and paraesthesia) features of aconitine poisoning, there was evidence of cardiotoxicity (hypotension and ventricular ectopics). Management of such patients should include measures to enhance elimination and close monitoring for cardiotoxicity. Legislation controlling the use of such herbs should be considered.

Language: en