General Description
Colorless, odorless, very bitter crystals or white crystalline powder. Has been used as a tonic and stimulant in veterinary medicine. Registered as a rodenticide in the U.S.
Reactivity Profile
STRYCHNINE is an alkaloid derivative. STRYCHNINE, [SULFATE] is a base and forms water soluble salts with acids. Avoid alkalis, alkali carbonates and bicarbonates, benzoates, dichromates, bromides, iodides, tannic and picric acids, salicylates, borax, gold chloride and other alkaloid precipitants, piperazine, potassium-mercuric iodide. Protect from light. [EPA, 1998] This compound is incompatible with the following: Strong oxidizers .
Health Hazard
Violent poison!. Lowest published lethal dose orally in humans is 30 mg/kg.
Potential Exposure
de, requiring a certified applicator. Strychnine is an alkaloid compound that has been widely used as a rodenticide/bait to kill rodents; a medicine, respiratory stimulant. A potential danger to those involved in the extraction the seeds of the Strychnos nux vomica, Strychnos ignatii (S. sancta Ingnatius), and Strychnos tiente (Upas tree); formulation or application of this rodent poison. The sulfate is used to kill gophers and moles. A common adulterant in illicit street drugs. Listed as a potential WMD biotoxin.
Fire Hazard
When heated to decomposition, STRYCHNINE, [SULFATE] emits very toxic fumes of sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides. Avoid alkalies, alkali carbonates and bicarbonates, benzoates, dichromates, bromides, iodides, tannic and picric acids, salicylates, borax, gold chloride and other alkaloid precipitants, piperazine, potassium-mercuric iodide. Protect from light.
First aid
Remove victims from exposure. Emergency personnel should avoid self-exposure to strychnine. WarningAny unnecessary sensory input may induce seizures. Isolate the victims from any avoidable distractions. Rush to a health care facility! Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support. Remove contaminated clothing as soon as possible. If eye exposure has occurred, remove any contact lenses at once;eyes must be flushed with lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes. Wash exposed skin areas thoroughly with soap and water. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
Shipping
UN1692 Strychnine or strychnine salts, Hazard Class: 6.1; Labels: 6.1-Poisonous material.
Incompatibilities
Incompatible with oxidizers (chlorates, nitrates, peroxides, permanganates, perchlorates, chlorine, bromine, fluorine, etc.); contact may cause fires or explosions. Keep away from alkaline materials, strong bases, strong acids, oxoacids, epoxides. Dangerous when heated; forms toxic fumes, including nitrogen oxides. In the body, caffeine may increase the strychnine effect.
Chemical Properties
Strychnine is a colorless crystalline prisms or white powder. It is odorless; with a bitter taste
Waste Disposal
Consult with environmental regulatory agencies for guidance on acceptable disposal practices. Generators of waste containing this contaminant (≥100 kg/mo) must conform to EPA regulations governing storage, transportation, treatment, and waste disposal. In accordance with 40CFR165, follow recommendations for the disposal of pesticides and pesticide containers. Must be disposed properly by following package label directions or by contacting your local or federal environmental control agency, or by contacting your regional EPA office. Careful incineration has been recommended for disposal. Two procedures are suggested. Pour or sift onto a thick layer of sand and soda ash mixture (90-10). Mix and shovel into a heavy paper box with much paper packing Burn in incinerator. Fire may be augmented by adding excelsior and scrap wood. Stay on the upwind side. Waste may be dissolved in flammable solvent (alcohols, benzene, etc.) and sprayed into fire box of an incinerator with afterburner and scrubber.
Uses
Chiefly in poison baits for rodents.
Biological Activity
Convulsant; glycine receptor antagonist not associated with the NMDA receptor.
