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Strychnine is an organic chemical compound from the alkaloids group that has toxic properties. It is found in a plant called crow’s eye, which can be found in Africa, Asia and South America. This alkaloid is used in medicine in very small doses in the form of nitrate from 0,25 to 3 mg for circulatory and respiratory disorders and weakness, as a stimulant.
Strychnine – action
Its healing properties include, among others, increasing the secretion of digestive juices, increasing appetite and preventing intestinal atony. An indication for the use of drugs containing this substance is also impairment of hearing and vision. In this case, the drugs in question may be used provided that there are no functional changes in the senses. One of the preparations containing strychnine nitrate was Cardiamid-Coffein, which also contained sodium caffeinebenzoate and nicetamide. In 2008, its production was discontinued. Another drug containing strychnine was the so-called vitamin preparation Asconerin.
Strychnine – poison or drug?
Strychnine in small amounts has properties that stimulate the nervous system. In the event of a large dose, it paralyzes him.
Properties of strychnine in small doses are:
- raising blood pressure,
- increased heart rate
- increasing muscle tone.
At the maximum allowable dose of 10-15 mg, many people experience problems with movement and muscle spasms. In some people, even with this dosage, no side effects are observed. In the case of a dose above 30 mg, the above-mentioned symptoms occur in all of them in a more advanced form. There are problems swallowing saliva, muscle tremors and the inability to breathe. Such seizures last about a minute and repeat 4-6 times. Depending on the dose, the death of the poisoned person may occur during the next seizure.
In case of poisoning with strychnineif medical assistance is not provided immediately, death occurs within a few to several hours. First aid is to call for medical attention, as treatment for strychnine poisoning is similar to treatment for mercury poisoning. Gastric lavage is the most effective procedure in this case. For maximum effectiveness, drugs are used that prevent further toxic effects.
Strychnine – contraindications
Medicines containing strychnine should not be used by people with respiratory problems and heart disease. The use of similar preparations during pregnancy and lactation is strictly prohibited. It is also forbidden to use in children under 2 years of age. Strychnine is an effective drug, but it is worth being careful because the therapeutic doses are very close to poisonous doses, which, if used improperly, may have a detrimental effect on human health and even on his life. Due to its toxic properties, this supplement is more often found in the form of poison to rats, moles and other pests.
| Name of the drug / preparation | Strychnine |
| Wstęp | Strychnine is an organic chemical compound of the alkaloid type with toxic properties. It is found in a plant called crow’s eye, which can be found in Africa, Asia and South America. This alkaloid is used in medicine in very small doses in the form of nitrate from 0.25 to 3 mg, in case of circulatory and respiratory disorders and weakness, as a stimulant. Its healing properties include increasing the secretion of digestive juices, increasing appetite and preventing intestinal atony. An indication for the use of drugs containing this ingredient is also impairment of hearing and vision. |
| Manufacturer | x |
| Form, dose, packaging | x |
| Availability category | on prescription |
| The active substance | strychnine |
| Indication | The indication for the use of drugs containing this supplement is also a violation of the seriousness of hearing and vision. |
| Dosage | determined by a doctor |
| Contraindications to use | Medicines containing strychnine are contraindicated for people with respiratory problems and heart disease. The use of similar preparations during pregnancy and lactation is strictly prohibited. Also prohibited for use in children under 2 years of age. |
| Warnings | Therapeutic doses are very close to poisonous doses, which, in the event of inappropriate use, may have a detrimental effect on human health and even on his life. |
| Interactions | x |
| Side effects | At the maximum permissible dose of 10-15 mg, many people experience mobility problems and muscle spasms. In some people, even with this dosage, no side effects are observed. At doses above 30 mg, all of the above-mentioned symptoms are more advanced: problems with swallowing saliva, muscle tremors and the inability to breathe. The duration of similar seizures is about a minute and is repeated 4-6 times. |
| Other (if any) | x |