Papaver somniferum L. or opium poppy also known in Morocco as “KHERCHACHA” is one of the most used plant in traditional medicine for ritual, prophylactic and therapeutic purposes. we report two cas of poisoning by Papaver somniferum L.

Twin male infants, aged two months, coming from healthy pregnancy and delivery, were admitted to the emergency for breathing difficulty with cyanosis of the extremities. Clinical exam in admission found respiratory distress with respiratory pause in two infants. One of them had in addition an obnubilation and pupils in bilateral myosis. The interrogation had found the concept of administration of opium poppy for the two children to calm them down and make them sleep. Biological and radiological tests were normal. The toxicological analysis of urine was positive for opiates. Both brothers received symptomatic treatment with favorable outcome.

Poisoning poppy poisoning remains one of the most dangerous plants. In our context, its use in infants remains an aggravating aspect that requires information and education of mothers. The physicians should be aware of this type of poisoning.