Ricin Treatment

Self-Care at Home

If exposure to ricin is a possibility, the people exposed must seek medical attention immediately. See When to Seek Medical Care.

Medical Treatment

No antidote or vaccine is available for ricin. Regardless of the route of exposure, treatment remains mainly supportive.

• If exposure is from inhaled aerosol, the person may need assistance with breathing. If particularly severe, the person who was exposed may require intubation and use of a ventilator.
• If ricin was ingested, the stomach may need to be pumped (called gastric decontamination). Superactivated charcoal may also be given to help soak up the poison. To treat dehydration, intravenous fluids may be given.