strychnine

strychnine /strych·nine/ (strik´nīn) a very poisonous alkaloid, obtained chiefly from Strychnos nux-vomica and other species of Strychnos, which causes excitation of all portions of the central nervous system by blocking postsynaptic inhibition of neural impulses.

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strych·nine (strknn, -nn, -nn)

n.

An extremely poisonous white crystalline alkaloid used as a poison for rodents and formerly used topically as a central nervous system stimulant.

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strychnine

[strik′nin, strik′nīn]

Etymology: Gr, strychnos, nightshade

a white crystalline alkaloid obtained from the leaves of the Strychnos nux-vomica plant. It is extremely toxic to the central nervous system, producing as a classic strychnine poisoning symptom an arched back (opisthotonus).

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strychnine

a very poisonous alkaloid from seeds of the plant Strychnos nux-vomica and other species of Strychnos. A commonly used compound in malicious poisoning of dogs and used as a feral animal bait to which domestic dogs find access. The dogs may also be poisoned by eating the vermin. Clinical findings include tetanic convulsions especially in response to external stimuli.

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strychnine

Toxicology A highly toxic alkaloid from Strychnos nux-vomica, commonly used as a rodenticide, that elicits CNS hyperactivity, causing painful, recurrent tonic seizures, muscle tightness, cramping, risus sardonicus, marked flaccidity, decorticate posturing and death; Sx appear at 15 mg, death occurs with doses > 60 mg Management Control seizures with diazepam and phenobarbital; for muscle relaxation, curare, succinylcholine