DOI: 10.36347/sjmcr.2014.v02i11.012

Pages: 734-735

Euphorbia tirucalli sap is extremely irritating to the skin and mucosa. On accidental exposure it causes vesication in the skin and inflammation involving eye sight in the eyes. On oral ingestion, it acts as an irritant, causing vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions and coma. It is used as a local irritant application for procuring criminal abortion, but rarely for homicidal and suicidal purposes. We came across a case of oral consumption of sap of Euphorbia tirucalli for suicidal purpose. Patient responded to supportive treatment and recovered over a week without any complication. Though it is rare, we do come across such cases and physicians should be aware of it. There is no specific antidote. Patients can be managed by supportive treatment effectively. At times it can cause serious symptom and can be fatal. More Indian studies needed on this poisoning.