Oleander

• nerioside
• oleondroside

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Where Found:

• twigs, leaves, and flowers of the oleander plant

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Symptoms:

• body as a whole
  • weakness

• eyes, ears, nose, and throat
  • blurred vision
  • halos around objects (yellow, green, white) *

• skin
  • rash
  • hives

• gastrointestinal
  • loss of appetite *
  • vomiting or nausea
  • abdominal pain (lower stomach)
  • diarrhea

• heart and blood vessels
  • irregular heartbeat (or slow)
  • low blood pressure

• nervous system
  • drowsiness
  • confusion
  • depression *
  • headache
  • fainting
  • lethargy
  • disorientation
  • death

*Usually only seen in chronic overdose

Home Treatment:
Do not induce emesis ( vomiting ) unless instructed to do so by Poison Control or by a physician.

If instructed to induce emesis, proceed as follows or as otherwise instructed:

Give the usual dose of ipecac syrup: 15 milliliters (ml) or 1 Tablespoonful for children and 30 ml (2 Tablespoonful) for an adult. Follow with 1/2 glass or 4 ounces (oz.) of water for children or 8 to 12 oz. of water for adults. Repeat 1 more time in 1/2 hour if emesis has not occurred.

Before Calling Poison Control:
Determine the following information:

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

Call Poison Control:
They will instruct you if it is necessary to take the patient to the hospital. See Poison Control centers for telephone numbers and addresses. Take the container or plant with you to the emergency room.

What to Expect:
Some or all of the following procedures may be performed:

• induce emesis
• administer activated charcoal
• monitor vital signs ( blood pressure , pulse , and so forth)
• monitor EKG (monitors heart function)
• blood samples drawn to determine:
  • serum magnesium level
  • serum potassium levels

• administration of antidote and other medication to correct problems resulting from the overdose if needed
• correction of electrolyte (potassium, magnesium) imbalances

Prognosis:
The prognosis (probable outcome)
If the individual survives the first 24 hours their chances of survival are very good.



Oleander (Nerium oleander) is a common ornamental evergreen shrub. It is used as a freeway median divider in warmer states, such as California. This plant is extremely toxic, and a single leaf may kill an adult. Poisoning has occurred when people use the branches for a skewer to roast hot dogs over a fire. This photograph shows oleander not yet in bloom.