Strychnine
Strychnine is a highly toxic, colorless, bitter crystalline alkaloid used as a pesticide, particularly for killing small vertebrates such as birds and rodents.[1]
Origin[edit | edit source]
Strychnine is derived primarily from the seeds of the Strychnos nux-vomica tree, native to India and Southeast Asia.[2]
Pharmacology[edit | edit source]
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.[3]
Historical Uses[edit | edit source]
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.[4] However, because of its high toxicity, these uses have been discontinued.
Toxicity and Treatment[edit | edit source]
Strychnine poisoning can be fatal to humans and other animals and can occur by inhalation, swallowing or absorption through eyes or mouth.[5] 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.[6]
Epidemiology[edit | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
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.[7] There is no specific antidote for strychnine.
See Also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
Further reading[edit | edit source]
External links[edit | edit source]
Poison Control Center - Strychnine
| Fields | |
|---|---|
| Concepts | |
| Treatments | |
| Incidents | |
| Related topics | |
| Strychnine Resources | |
|---|---|
|
 |
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
