Journal of Clinical Toxicology
Open Access
ISSN: 2161-0495
ISSN: 2161-0495
Department of General Medicine, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi, India
Case Report
The Dose Makes the Poison: A Case Report on Strychnine Toxicity
Author(s): Indu M Bindu* and RS Tonk
Background: Strychnos nux vomica is a member of Loganiaceae family. It has highly poisonous alkaloids strychnine
and brucine, mostly in seeds. It has been used as rodenticides and to kill stray dogs. Homicidal and suicidal cases
have also been reported. The use of strychnine is regulated in many countries. However, it is used in indigenous
system as treatment for many conditions. But, these have no medical evidence.
Case report: We report the case of a 66 years old lady who presented with episodic spasms after consumption of
water in which, this plant stem was soaked overnight. She had tautness of her muscles, multiple episodes each lasting
for about 5 to 10 seconds. In between spasms, clinical examination findings were normal. All her blood investigations
were normal except for slightly elevated muscle enzymes.
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