Death by quinine

Vet Hum Toxicol. 2003 Dec;45(6):303-6.

Abstract

We report a case of a man with a 9.75 g ingestion of quinine. The patient presented with recurrent pulseless wide complex tachycardia for which he received sodium bicarbonate, defibrillation and overdrive mechanical pacing. Despite treatment, the patient died. Quinine is still available for the treatment of leg cramps and drug-resistant malaria. In overdose, quinine affects multiple organ systems, including vision, hearing, the cardiovascular, and renal systems. We review the current approach to quinine intoxication.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Drug Overdose / diagnosis
  • Electrocardiography
  • Emergency Treatment
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Heart Arrest / chemically induced*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Quinine / poisoning*
  • Tachycardia / chemically induced
  • Tachycardia / physiopathology

Substances

  • Quinine