Question:

Muttering delirium is characteristically seen in poisoning with:

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Anticholinergic plant poison; mad as a hatter with mumbling speech.
Updated On: Jun 24, 2026
  • Ricinus (castor)
  • Dhatura (Datura)
  • Cocaine
  • Aconite
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Dhatura (Datura) contains the anticholinergic alkaloids atropine, hyoscine (scopolamine) and hyoscyamine. These block muscarinic receptors and produce a classic anticholinergic toxidrome.

Step 2: A hallmark of Datura poisoning is a central nervous system picture of excitement, hallucinations and a low, indistinct, incoherent speech known as muttering delirium, along with dry hot skin, dilated pupils, tachycardia and urinary retention.

Step 3: The mnemonic for atropine or Datura toxicity is blind as a bat, dry as a bone, red as a beet, hot as a hare and mad as a hatter; the mad (delirium) component manifests as muttering delirium.

Step 4: Ricinus (ricin) causes severe gastroenteritis, cocaine causes stimulant excitation and aconite causes tingling and cardiac toxicity, none of which is typified by muttering delirium. Hence Dhatura is correct.
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