Chloroquine poisoning: report of two cases

Abstract

Two patients intentionally took chloroquine in overdose for different purposes. The first patient took chloroquine 2.7 g to terminate her pregnancy and the second patient took 3.75 g to terminate his life. The management of these two patients mainly consisted of gastric lavage, activated charcoal, ventilation, diazepam and inotropic support. The effect of chloroquine on the myocardium is discussed and the role of chloroquine as an abortifacient is reviewed. Hypokalemia should be recognized early and treated cautiously to avoid hyperkalemia. Refractory seizures not responding to benzodiazepine may require an antiepileptic drug.