Mad (wild) honey poisoning: a case series of eleven cases.

INTRODUCTION

Mad (Wild) honey, used as alternative medicine in some countries where cases of poisoning are reported, got its name due to its intoxicating effects. Poisoning due to mad honey mostly presents as bradycardia and hypotension.

CASE REPORTS

We report 11 cases involving 6 females and 5 males, of mad honey poisoning used for medicinal purposes. All patients were young adults (average age 43.9 years) except for one. Lightheadedness, dizziness and nausea were the most common complaints. All presented in bradycardia ranging from 35 to 60 beats per minute. All cases were managed conservatively while one required vasopressors support. All patients improved with a couple of days of supportive care.

DISCUSSION

Mad honey poisoning seems to be a geographically restricted entity as the majority of cases are reported from a particular region. Because of its use as an alternative medicine for various purposes, cases of intoxication occur year around. Although the signs and symptoms of mad honey can be life threatening including nausea, dizziness, bradycardia, and hypotension, the prognosis is generally good.

CONCLUSION

Although the prognosis is fairly good, mad honey intoxication has significant morbidity. Lack of awareness about the potential complications of consuming mad honey seems to be the cause of cases of poisoning seen annually.