Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine

These quinolone-related drugs are the most toxic of the antimalarials when taken in overdose. Hydroxychloroquine also used to treat systemic lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.  Overdose produces rapid onset of hypotension, CNS depression, cardiac conduction defects and hypokalaemia. Chloroquine is a leading cause of pharmaceutical overdose mortality in many countries where malaria is endemic. Management is supportive

References

• Clemessy JL, Favier C, Borron SW et al. Hypokalaemia related to acute chloroquine ingestion. Lancet. 1995; 346(8979):877-880.
• Clemessy J-L, Taboulet P, Hoffman JR et al.  Treatment of acute chloroquine poisoning: a 5-year experience.  Critical Care Medicine 1996;24: 1189-1195.
• Marquardt K, Albertson TE.  The treatment of hydroxychloroquine overdose.  The Journal of Emergency Medicine 2005; 28(4): 437–443.
• Riou B, Barriot P, Rimailho A et al.  Treatment of severe chloroquine poisoning.  New England Journal of Medicine 1988;318:1-6.
• Smith ER, Klein-Schwartz W.  Are 1-2 dangerous?  Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine exposure in toddlers.  The Journal of Emergency Medicine 2005; 28 (4): 437–443.