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The management of Elephant's Ear poisoning

Drug and Toxcology Information Service, Department of Pharmacy, Medical School, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box Al 78, Avondale, Harare, Zimbabwe

D E Ball

Drug and Toxicology Information Service, Medical School, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box A178, Avondale, Harare, Zimbabwe; Drug and Toxcology Information Service, Department of Pharmacy, Medical School, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box Al 78, Avondale, Harare, Zimbabwe

The Araceae family of plants is the major cause of symptomatic plant ingestions in some developed countries (Dieffenbachia and Philodendron) and in Zimbabwe (Elephant's Ear), especially in children. A retrospective case series was carried out to evaluate the management of poisoning due to Elephant's Ear at the largest referral hospital in Zimbabwe for the period January 1995-December 1999. The study revealed inappropriate use of antibiotics, atropine, and antihistamines in the treatment of Elephant's Ear poisoning. This article also reviews the management of poisoning due to the Araceae family of plants as exemplified by Elephant's Ear. There is a need to educate health care workers on the clinical management of Elephant's Ear poisoning especially in developing countries where there are limited resources.

Key Words: Alocasia • Colocasia • Elephant's Ear • Araceae • poisoning • managemen

Human & Experimental Toxicology, Vol. 20, No. 4, 189-192 (2001)
DOI: 10.1191/096032701678766822


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