Main Navigation
What's Your Next Step?
Find a Doctor
Request a Doctor's Appointment
Subscribe to Our E-Newsletter
Learn More about Our Services
Lily-of-the-valley
Definition
Lily-of-the-valley is a flowering plant. Lily-of-the-valley poisoning occurs when someone eats parts of this plant.
Alternative Names
LiljekonvallPoisonous Ingredient
- Convallarin
- Convallamarin
- Convallatoxin
Note: This list may not include all poisonous ingredients.
Where Found
The flowers, fruit, and leaves of the lily-of-the-valley plant are poisonous.
Symptoms
- Eyes, ears, nose, mouth, and throat
- Blurred vision
- Excessive urination at night
- Halos around objects (yellow, green, white)
- Gastrointestinal
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Stomach pain
- Vomiting or nausea
- Heart and blood
- Irregular or slow heartbeat
- Nervous system
- Skin
- Rash
- Hives
Note: Depression, loss of appetite, and halos are usually only seen in chronic overdose cases.
Home Care
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
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
- Blood tests to determine serum magnesium levels and serum potassium levels
- Electrocardiogram (EKG)
- Laxative
- Medicine (antidote) to reverse the effect of the poison
- Treatment to correct electrolyte (potassium, magnesium) imbalances
Outlook (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.
References
Aks S, Leikin J. Digoxin toxicity. In: Strange GR, Ahrens WR, Lelyveld S, eds. Pediatric Emergency Medicine: A Comprehensive Study Guide. 2nd ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2002:chap 92.
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.
