In Europe in the 1980s, patients exposed to sneezing powder had syncope, vomiting, bradycardia and hypotension. What was the culprit?
The sneezing powder manufactured in Germany was found to have 50% Panama wood and 50% Veratrum album. Veratrum is a sodium channel opener, which is effective at triggering the sneezing reflex. (Fogh A et al. Veratrum alkaloids in Sneezing-Powder: A Potential Danger. J Tox Clin Tox 1983; 20(2): 175-179.)
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