Lily-of-the-valley

Alternative names

Liljekonvall

Definition

Poisoning from eating plant parts of the lily-of-the-valley.

Poisonous Ingredient

• convallarin
  
• convallamarin
  

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Where Found

• The fruit, leaves, flowers, and roots of the lily-of-the-valley plant.
  

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Symptoms

• body as a whole
  o weakness
  
• eyes, ears, nose, and throat
  o blurred vision
  o halos around objects (yellow, green, white) *
  o excessive urination at night
  
• skin
  o rash
  o hives
  
• gastrointestinal
  o loss of appetite *
  o vomiting or nausea
  o abdominal pain (lower stomach)
  o diarrhea
  
• heart and blood vessels
  o irregular or slow heartbeat
  
• nervous system
  o drowsiness
  o confusion
  o depression *
  o headache
  o fainting
  o lethargy
  o disorientation
  

* Usually only seen in chronic overdose cases

Home Treatment

Contact Poison Control Center for appropriate treatment information.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

• the patient's age, weight, and condition
  
• the name of the plant
  
• the time it was swallowed
  
• the amount swallowed
  

Poison Control, or a local emergency number
They will instruct you if it is necessary to take the patient to the hospital. See Poison Control centers for telephone numbers and addresses. Bring the plant with you to the emergency room.

What to expect at the emergency room

Some or all of the following procedures may be performed: