Dieffenbachia

• Alternative names
• Definition
• Poisonous Ingredient
• Where Found
• Symptoms

• Home Treatment
• Before Calling Emergency
• Poison Control, or a local emergency number
• What to expect at the emergency room
• Expectations (prognosis)

Alternative names   

Definition    Return to top

Poisoning caused by consumption of plant material from the Dieffenbachia (mother-in-law plant) leaf.

Poisonous Ingredient    Return to top

• oxalic acid
• asparagine,
• a protein found in this plant

Where Found    Return to top

• Dieffenbachia (mother-in-law plant)

Symptoms    Return to top

• body as a whole
  • burning in mouth
  • swelling of tongue
  • swelling of mouth
• eyes, ears, nose, and throat
  • burning in throat
  • hoarse voice
  • eye pain
  • corneal abrasion
• gastrointestinal
  • nausea and/or vomiting
  • diarrhea

Home Treatment    Return to top

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

Wash eyes with water if exposed.

Before Calling Emergency    Return to top

Determine the following information:

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

Poison Control, or a local emergency number    Return to top

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 for identification.

What to expect at the emergency room    Return to top

• Treat the symptoms.

Expectations (prognosis)    Return to top

Oxalate plants may cause swelling severe enough to block the airway, but this is very rare.