Health Encyclopedia

Rhubarb leaves poisoning

Definition

Rhubarb leaves poisoning occurs when someone eats pieces of leaves from the rhubarb plant.

Alternative Names

Rheum officinale poisoning

Poisonous Ingredient

Anthraquinone glycosides (possible)
Oxalic acid

Where Found

The leaves (leaf blade) of the rhubarb plant; the stalk can be eaten.

Symptoms

Breathing difficulty
Burning in the mouth
Burning in the throat
Coma
Diarrhea
Eye pain
Kidney stones
Nausea
Red-colored urine
Seizures
Stomach pain
Vomiting
Weakness

Home Treatment

Seek immediate medical help. Do NOT make a person throw up unless told to do so by poison control or a health care professional.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

Patient's age, weight, and condition
Name of the plant, if known
Time it was swallowed
Amount swallowed

Poison Control, or a local emergency number

The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national 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.

See: Poison control center - emergency number

What to expect at the emergency room

The health care provider will measure and monitor your vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Symptoms will be treated as appropriate. You may receive:

Activated charcoal
Fluids by IV
Tube through the mouth into the stomach to wash out the stomach (gastric lavage)

Expectations (prognosis)

How well you do depends on the amount of poison swallowed and how quickly treatment is received. The faster you get medical help, the better the chance for recovery.

Deaths have been reported, but are rare.

References

Caravati EM, et al. Natural toxins. In: Dart R, et al. Medical Toxicology. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins; 2004:chap 215.

Review Date:2/27/2008
Reviewed By:Stephen C. Acosta, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, Portland VA Medical Center, Portland, OR. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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