Strychnine

Strychnine is a highly toxic, colorless, bitter crystalline alkaloid used as a pesticide, particularly for killing small vertebrates such as birds and rodents.

Strychnine

Brown glass bottle of phosphorus, zinc and strychnine pills, Wellcome L0058219

Origin

Strychnine is derived primarily from the seeds of the Strychnos nux-vomica tree, native to India and Southeast Asia.

Pharmacology

Strychnine acts as a blocker or antagonist at the inhibitory or strychnine-sensitive glycine receptor, a ligand-gated chloride channel in the spinal cord and the brain.

Historical Uses

Historically, strychnine was used in low doses as a performance enhancing drug and a stimulant, due to its convulsive effects. It was also used in rat poison. However, because of its high toxicity, these uses have been discontinued.

Toxicity and Treatment

Strychnine poisoning can be fatal to humans and other animals and can occur by inhalation, swallowing or absorption through eyes or mouth. Symptoms of poisoning include painful convulsions and asphyxia.

Treatment of strychnine poisoning involves immediate gastric lavage, administration of activated charcoal and a short-acting barbiturate, and artificial respiration.

Epidemiology

While acute strychnine poisoning is relatively rare, it can occur globally, often as a result of accidental or intentional ingestion. The high toxicity and wide availability of strychnine make it a potential agent for intentional poisoning or suicide.

Toxicology

Strychnine's primary mechanism of action is as a competitive antagonist of the neurotransmitter glycine, resulting in an over-excitation of neurons. This can lead to severe convulsions and eventually death through asphyxiation or exhaustion. Due to its extreme toxicity, even small doses can be lethal.

Treatment

Immediate medical attention is required in the case of strychnine poisoning. Treatment typically involves decontamination (inducing vomiting, stomach pumping, activated charcoal) to remove the poison, followed by supportive measures such as intravenous fluids and medications to control convulsions. There is no specific antidote for strychnine.

See Also

• Strychnos nux-vomica
• Alkaloid
• Toxicology

Further reading

Poison Toxicity

External links

Poison Control Center - Strychnine