Red Squill

Abstract

Red squill is a rodenticide of historical interest that, like other cardiac glycosides in toxicity, causes severe gastrointestinal irritation and cardiac dysrhythmias. Rats lack the ability to vomit, making them particular susceptible to this toxin. Red squill has been used previously medicinally in the treatment of cardiac failure syndromes and abnormal heart rhythms. Continued use as a folk or alternative medicine may contribute to continued human illness and death. Treatment is generally supportive and includes gut decontamination. Digoxin-specific antibodies (DigiFab) have been previously demonstrated to exhibit cross reactivity with red squill and should be considered in the treatment of severe toxicity.