Datura delirium

Clin Neuropharmacol. 1992 Apr;15(2):109-13. doi: 10.1097/00002826-199204000-00004.

Abstract

Poisoning with tropine alkaloids from cultivated plants and pharmaceuticals is an uncommon cause of delirium and coma. We report a patient with a toxic delirium following ingestion of the tropine alkaloid-containing root of Datura innoxia. Thin-layer chromatography and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry confirmed the presence of atropine and scopolamine in samples of the ingested root. Routine clinical toxin screens may not include an assay for tropine alkaloids. A specific tropine alkaloid assay may provide supporting evidence. The clinical, electroencephalographic, and therapeutic aspects of anticholinergic poisoning are discussed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Alkaloids / poisoning*
  • Datura stramonium*
  • Delirium / chemically induced*
  • Delirium / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Physostigmine / therapeutic use
  • Plant Poisoning / complications
  • Plants, Medicinal*
  • Plants, Toxic*

Substances

  • Alkaloids
  • Physostigmine