Definition of Dieffenbachia poisoning:

Dieffenbachia is a type of house plant with large, colorful leaves. Poisoning can occur if you eat the leaves of this plant.

This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local emergency number (such as 911) or the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

Poisonous Ingredient:

• Oxalic acid
• Asparagine, a protein found in this plant

Symptoms:

• Burning in mouth or throat
• Damage to cornea of the eye
• Diarrhea
• Eye pain
• Hoarse voice
• Nausea or vomiting
• Swelling in mouth or tongue

Home Treatment:

Wipe out the mouth with a cold, wet cloth. Give milk to drink.

Before Calling Emergency:

Determine the following information:

• The patient's age, weight, and condition
• The parts of the plant that were eaten
• The time swallowed
• The 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.

Take the plant with you to the hospital, if possible.

See: Poison control center - emergency number

What to expect at the emergency room:

The health care provider will measure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Symptoms will be treated as appropriate.

Expectations (prognosis):

In rare cases, these plants may cause swelling severe enough to block the airways.