Is the Belladonna Poisonous?

Basicuses

• Practitioners use belladonna primarily as a sedative to alleviate asthma, whooping cough, bronchial spasms, cold and hay fever, Parkinson's disease, colic, motion sickness and general pain. Topical applications include ointments for rheumatoid joint pain, sciatica and nerve pain. Medicinal gauze applied to the skin may have belladonna as well. It treats excessive sweating, bronchial asthma and psychiatric disorders.

Side Effects

• Belladonna plant roots and leaves can be unsafe and poisonous, particularly when taken by mouth, as it contains toxic chemicals. Chemicals block certain nervous system functions, which is why it relieves pain, for instance. The toxic chemicals may cause blurred vision, red dry skin, fever, inability to urinate, dry mouth, hallucinations, spasms, mental problems, convulsions and a coma, in severe cases.

Special Populations

• Special populations are particularly vulnerable to belladonna's side effects and poisonous qualities. Pregnant and breastfeeding women in particular should not take belladonna by mouth. Belladonna may reduce milk production, and it passes through the placenta and breast milk. People with Down Syndrome may also have particular sensitivity to its effects. Belladonna may also worsen congestive heart failure, fever, stomach ulcers, esophageal reflux, hiatal hernia and constipation.

Potentially Poisonous Interactions

• Belladonna strengthens effects in drugs that slow down the nervous system, like alcohol. Do not mix antihistamines, hay fever or cold medicine, sedatives, tranquilizers, sleeping medicine, narcotics, barbiturates, seizure medication or muscle relaxers with belladonna. Taking prescribed belladonna within 1 hour of diarrhea medicine or antacids weakens its effect.