Overview
Paraquat poisoning (also called paraquat toxicity or paraquat intoxication) is a serious and often life-threatening condition caused by exposure to paraquat, a widely used agricultural herbicide (weed killer). Paraquat is sold under brand names such as Gramoxone. Poisoning can happen by swallowing, skin contact, or breathing in the chemical, though swallowing even a small amount is the most dangerous route and can be fatal. Once inside the body, paraquat causes severe damage by creating harmful molecules called free radicals that destroy cells throughout the body. The lungs are the most severely affected organ. Paraquat is actively absorbed by lung tissue, where it causes intense inflammation and scarring (a process called pulmonary fibrosis) that can make breathing impossible within days to weeks. The kidneys, liver, and heart can also be seriously damaged. Symptoms begin quickly after exposure and include burning pain in the mouth and throat, vomiting, diarrhea, and difficulty breathing. There is no specific antidote for paraquat poisoning. Treatment focuses on removing the chemical from the body as quickly as possible, supporting organ function, and reducing further damage. Despite intensive medical care, severe paraquat poisoning has a very high death rate. Survivors may be left with permanent lung damage. Early and aggressive treatment in a hospital setting gives the best chance of survival.
Key symptoms:
Burning pain in the mouth, throat, and stomach after swallowingNausea and vomitingDiarrhea, sometimes with bloodDifficulty breathing or shortness of breathCoughingSkin redness, blistering, or ulcers if skin is exposedEye irritation or damage if eyes are exposedKidney failure (reduced or no urine output)Liver damage (yellowing of skin or eyes)Low blood pressure and rapid heart rateConfusion or altered mental stateProgressive lung scarring making breathing increasingly difficultMuscle weaknessMouth sores and ulcers
Sporadic
Usually appears on its own, not inherited from a parent
Variable
Can begin at different ages, from infancy through adulthood
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Paraquat poisoning.
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Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Paraquat poisoning.
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Caregiver Resources
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Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.How much paraquat was absorbed, and what does that mean for the expected outcome?,What treatments are being given right now, and what are they meant to do?,Is hemoperfusion or dialysis an option, and would it help in this case?,What signs of worsening should I watch for, and when should I call for help?,What are the chances of permanent lung or kidney damage, and how will we monitor for that?,Are there any clinical trials or experimental treatments available?,What mental health support is available for the patient and family after this experience?
Common questions about Paraquat poisoning
What is Paraquat poisoning?
Paraquat poisoning (also called paraquat toxicity or paraquat intoxication) is a serious and often life-threatening condition caused by exposure to paraquat, a widely used agricultural herbicide (weed killer). Paraquat is sold under brand names such as Gramoxone. Poisoning can happen by swallowing, skin contact, or breathing in the chemical, though swallowing even a small amount is the most dangerous route and can be fatal. Once inside the body, paraquat causes severe damage by creating harmful molecules called free radicals that destroy cells throughout the body. The lungs are the most sever
How is Paraquat poisoning inherited?
Paraquat poisoning follows a sporadic inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
Which specialists treat Paraquat poisoning?
3 specialists and care centers treating Paraquat poisoning are listed on UniteRare, sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov principal investigators, published research, and the NPPES NPI registry.