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Warning-sign checks

Foxglove poisoning: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    In other countries, contact the local poison information service or emergency medical service.

    Call emergency services now if the person has:

    • Collapsed, fainted, or cannot be woken normally
    • Trouble breathing
    • A seizure
    • Chest pain or a markedly slow, fast, or irregular heartbeat
    • Severe confusion or sudden weakness
    • Swallowed foxglove and is becoming unwell

    Start cardiopulmonary resuscitation if they are not breathing normally and follow emergency-service instructions.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Get poison advice immediately after any suspected foxglove ingestion.

    Do not wait for symptoms.

    In the United States, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or use its online service.

    New fainting, breathing difficulty, or an irregular heartbeat is not a routine follow-up issue and needs urgent assessment.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Routine medical follow-up is appropriate after hospital treatment if the discharge team recommends repeat heart or kidney checks.

The article also says

If the person is unconscious but breathing, place them on their side if you can do so safely.

Do not put anything in their mouth.

For plant material in the mouth, remove any remaining pieces without causing choking.

For skin exposure, wash with soap and water.

Eye exposure should be rinsed gently with clean water.

Contact a poison service if irritation continues or if any material may have been swallowed.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Foxglove poisoning. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.