Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

RESIBUFOGENIN

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Cardiotonic steroid constituent of the Chinese drug, Ch' an Su (also known as Senso), a
galenical preparation of the dried venom of the Chinese toad (Bufo bufo gargarizens). Also
possesses cytotoxic properties.

SYNONYMS

C24-H32-O4, "5beta-bufa-20, 22-dienolide, 14, 15-beta-epoxy-3beta-hydroxy-", "5beta-bufa-
20, 22-dienolide, 14, 15-beta-epoxy-3beta-hydroxy-", bufogenin, bufogenine, "14, 15beta-
epoxy-3beta-hydroxy-5beta-bufa-20, 22-dienolide", "14, 15beta-epoxy-3beta-hydroxy-5beta-
bufa-20, 22-dienolide", "3beta-hydroxy-14, 15-beta-epoxy-5beta-bufa-20, 22-dienolide",
"3beta-hydroxy-14, 15-beta-epoxy-5beta-bufa-20, 22-dienolide", "(3beta, 5beta, 15beta)-14,
15-epoxy-3-hydroxy-5-bufa-20, 22-dienolide", "(3beta, 5beta, 15beta)-14, 15-epoxy-3-
hydroxy-5-bufa-20, 22-dienolide", RBG, Respignon, "steroidal cardiotonic from toad venom/
Senso/ Ch'an Su", "cardiac glycoside analogue"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  Although ingestion is not thought to produce harmful effects, the material may still be damaging to the health of the individual following ingestion, especially where pre-  existing organ (e.g. liver, kidney) damage is evident. Present definitions of harmful or toxic substances are generally based on doses producing mortality (death) rather than those producing morbidity (disease, ill-health). Gastrointestinal tract discomfort may produce nausea and vomiting. In an occupational setting however, ingestion of insignificant quantities is not thought to be cause for concern.  Considered an unlikely route of entry in commercial/industrial environments.  Disturbances of heart rhythms are caused by toad venoms and maybe fatal.  Cardiac glycosides such as digoxin often cause side effects because there is little therapeutic window between therapeutic and toxic doses, and many deaths have occurred. Early signs of overdose include nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite. There is a wide range of other symptoms including headache, facial pain, general unwellness, fatigue, drowsiness, delirium and hallucinations. Often "pins and needles" occur in the fingers and toes. Blurred vision and color disturbances may be present. There may be mental disturbances, hallucinations, personality changes, inability to speak, disorientation, delirium, poor concentration and psychosis may be seen. Often irregularities in the heart beat occur, especially in the ventricles. Heart block often occurs in older persons.  

EYE

  Although the material is not thought to be an irritant, direct contact with the eye may produce transient discomfort characterized by tearing or conjunctival redness (as with windburn).  

SKIN

  The material is not thought to produce adverse health effects or skin irritation following contact (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless, good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable gloves be used in an occupational setting.  Toxic effects may result from skin absorption.  

INHALED

  Inhalation may produce serious health damage*.  The material is not thought to produce respiratory irritation (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless inhalation of the material, especially for prolonged periods, may produce respiratory discomfort and occasionally, distress.  Persons with impaired respiratory function, airway diseases and conditions such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis, may incur further disability if excessive concentrations of particulate are inhaled.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Principal routes of exposure are usually by skin contact/absorption and inhalation of generated dust.  Cardiac glycosides may have similar effects to female sex hormones and cause enlargement of the breasts in men.