What to do if poisoned by eating sprouted potatoes

Under normal circumstances, the main treatments for poisoning caused by eating sprouted potatoes include emesis therapy, gastric lavage, catharsis, medication, and symptomatic supportive treatment. Specific details are as follows:

1. Emesis Therapy

Sprouted potatoes contain solanine, which can cause poisoning by irritating the gastrointestinal tract and nervous system after ingestion. In the early stages of poisoning (within 1–2 hours after ingestion and before vomiting occurs), inducing vomiting can help expel unabsorbed toxins from the stomach. Drink a large amount of warm water, then use fingers or chopsticks to stimulate the back of the tongue to trigger a vomiting reflex. Repeat this process until the vomit becomes clear, thereby reducing toxin absorption.

2. Gastric Lavage

If the time since ingestion is short but induced vomiting is ineffective, or if a large amount of toxin has been ingested, gastric lavage should be performed promptly. A nasogastric tube is used to repeatedly flush the stomach with warm water or normal saline to remove residual solanine, reduce the risk of toxins entering the bloodstream, and alleviate symptoms of poisoning.

3. Catharsis

After gastric lavage, cathartic treatment may be administered to promote the elimination of remaining toxins from the intestines and prevent continued intestinal absorption. Medications such as mannitol injection, polyethylene glycol 4000 powder, or lactulose oral solution may be used under medical guidance. These agents increase intestinal osmotic pressure and enhance peristalsis to accelerate the excretion of toxins through feces.

4. Medication

To relieve gastrointestinal spasms and vomiting caused by poisoning, medications may be required. For significant abdominal pain, drugs such as raceanisodamine tablets, belladonna tablets, or atropine sulfate injection may be prescribed to relax smooth muscle contractions in the gastrointestinal tract. For severe vomiting, metoclopramide hydrochloride injection or vitamin B6 injection may be administered to suppress the vomiting reflex.

5. Symptomatic and Supportive Treatment

If dehydration or electrolyte imbalance occurs, intravenous infusions of glucose solution, sodium chloride solution, or potassium chloride solution may be necessary to replenish fluids and electrolytes and maintain the body’s fluid and electrolyte balance. In cases of breathing difficulty, oxygen therapy should be provided immediately to ensure airway patency; artificial assisted ventilation may be required when necessary to maintain normal respiratory function.

In addition, patients should rest in bed during treatment and avoid physical exertion. Diet should start with light liquid foods and gradually transition to regular meals. If severe symptoms such as confusion, seizures, or low blood pressure occur, immediate medical attention and emergency treatment are required. To prevent poisoning, it is important to avoid consuming sprouted potatoes or those with green-tinged skin in daily life.