Question

A patient from a railway station is arrested by police and shows symptoms like dilated pupils, sweating, hot skin, and staggering gait. He is suspected to have intoxication from:

• A. Dhatura
• B. Cocaine
• C. Alcohol
• D. Morphine

Hint:

Dhatura poisoning is characterized by anticholinergic symptoms, including dilated pupils, dry skin, and altered mental status.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The symptoms described—including dilated pupils, sweating, hot skin, and staggering gait—are indicative of anticholinergic poisoning. These symptoms are associated with intoxication caused by substances that block the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the central and peripheral nervous system.

Among the given options:

• Dhatura: Contains tropane alkaloids like atropine, scopolamine, and hyoscyamine, which have strong anticholinergic effects. Symptoms of intoxication include dilated pupils, dry skin, flushing (hot skin), confusion, hallucinations, and tachycardia. The symptoms match the description given.
• Cocaine: Primarily causes symptoms related to sympathetic nervous system stimulation such as dilated pupils and elevated heart rate, but typically does not cause all of the symptoms listed simultaneously.
• Alcohol: Can cause impaired coordination and gait (staggering gait) but usually does not cause pupil dilation or hot, dry skin; in fact, it often results in pupil constriction.
• Morphine: An opiate which often causes pinpoint pupils, respiratory depression, and reduced consciousness, none of which align with the symptoms described.

Therefore, the correct answer is Dhatura, as it aligns with all the symptoms presented, consistent with its anticholinergic properties.