Definition

This is poisoning caused by eating pieces of the Yew plant.

Poisonous Ingredient

Taxine

Where Found

Taxine is found in various kinds of the Yew plant. The poison is in most parts of the Yew plant, but the highest amount is in the seeds.

Symptoms

  • Trembling
  • Muscle weakness
  • Rapid collapse
  • Convulsions
  • Breathing difficulty
  • Dilated pupils
  • Blue colored lips
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Stomach pain
  • Vomiting
  • Slow heartbeat
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Coma
  • Dizziness
  • Headache

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, 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 U.S. 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.

Bring the plant with you to the emergency room, if possible.

See National Poison Control Center.

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.

The patient may receive:

  • Medicines to treat symptoms
  • Medicines to increase heart rate
  • Temporary pacemaker to increase heart rate
  • Activated charcoal
  • Methods to make the person throw up 
  • A nasogastric (NG) tube thru the nose into the stomach to empty the stomach (gastric lavage)  

Expectations (prognosis)

Deaths have occurred.

Review Date:3/21/2006
Reviewed By: Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-RooseveltHospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed HealthcareNetwork.