PlantFunAmaryllis Toxic?
All plant parts are toxic, with the bulb containing the highest concentration of harmful alkaloids
Ingestion causes gastrointestinal distress, cardiac arrhythmia, and neurological symptoms including seizures and ataxia
Direct skin contact may trigger allergic dermatitis in sensitive people and animals, including documented cases in dogs
FAQ
Is Amaryllis toxic to Humans?
Vomiting, diarrhea, colic, heart arrhythmia, ataxia, cramps, tremors, bradycardia, hypotension; allergic contact dermatitis possible in sensitive individuals (High)
Is Amaryllis toxic to Cats?
Expected to cause vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, abdominal pain, abnormal heart rate, tremors and seizures if ingested, consistent with alkaloid toxicity (High)
Is Amaryllis toxic to Dogs?
Vomiting, diarrhea, colic, heart arrhythmia, ataxia, cramps, tremors, bradycardia, hypotension; documented cases of allergic contact dermatitis with redness, papules, pustules, hair loss and skin thickening after exposure (High)
Is Amaryllis toxic to Horses?
Expected to cause gastrointestinal distress, cardiac rhythm abnormalities, ataxia and tremors if ingested (Moderate)
Toxicity Details
Vomiting, diarrhea, colic, heart arrhythmia, ataxia, cramps, tremors, bradycardia, hypotension; allergic contact dermatitis possible in sensitive individuals
Expected to cause vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, abdominal pain, abnormal heart rate, tremors and seizures if ingested, consistent with alkaloid toxicity
Vomiting, diarrhea, colic, heart arrhythmia, ataxia, cramps, tremors, bradycardia, hypotension; documented cases of allergic contact dermatitis with redness, papules, pustules, hair loss and skin thickening after exposure
Expected to cause gastrointestinal distress, cardiac rhythm abnormalities, ataxia and tremors if ingested
Toxicity Snapshot
First Aid & Prevention
First 30 Minutes
- • If ingested, induce vomiting only if the exposed individual/animal is conscious and alert, within 1 hour of exposure
- • For skin contact, rinse the affected area thoroughly with soapy cool water for 10-15 minutes to remove all plant residue
- • Remove any remaining plant material from the mouth of the exposed individual/animal to stop further ingestion
- • Do not administer food, water or over-the-counter medications unless directed by a medical professional or veterinarian
Contact Vet Immediately
- • Any confirmed or suspected ingestion of amaryllis tissue, especially bulb material, by companion animals or livestock
- • Development of symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, abnormal heart rate, tremors, seizures or skin reactions after exposure
- • If the exposed animal is lethargic, disoriented, or has difficulty breathing
Prevention
- • Keep amaryllis plants, cut stems, and discarded bulbs out of reach of children, pets and livestock
- • Wear gloves when handling amaryllis bulbs or pruning plants to avoid contact with irritant sap
- • Never feed any part of the amaryllis plant to companion animals or grazing livestock
Treatment & Prognosis
- • Decontamination: Induce vomiting, administer activated charcoal to bind unabsorbed toxins in the gastrointestinal tract
- • Symptomatic supportive care: Administer intravenous fluids to correct dehydration and electrolyte imbalances from vomiting and diarrhea
- • Administer atropine to treat clinically significant bradycardia as directed by a medical provider or veterinarian
- • Treat allergic contact dermatitis with topical or systemic corticosteroids and antihistamines as needed
Professional Toxicology
• Alkaloid compounds disrupt cellular function, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract, cardiac muscle and nervous system
• Lycorine and related alkaloids trigger emetic responses and suppress cardiac conductivity, leading to arrhythmia and bradycardia
• Allergenic compounds in plant tissues trigger type IV hypersensitivity reactions, leading to contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals
Information from CliniTox veterinary text.
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Data Sources
This information is for reference only and does not constitute medical advice. If ingestion or poisoning is suspected, seek medical or veterinary attention immediately.