May be fatal. Rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts. Principal symptom is violent convulsions, sometimes beginning within a few minutes of ingestion. Any sound or movement may elicit seizure activity. Kidney failure may occur as a secondary effect of central nervous system toxicity.
Death often occurs due to respiratory arrest.
Causes irritation to skin. Symptoms include redness, itching, and pain. May cause mechanical irritation. Strychnine may be absorbed through the eyes' mucous membranes. It is unlikely that enough strychnine will be absorbed to produce severe symptoms, but mild effects may occur.