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[Acute chloroquine poisoning]
G Altrock1, A Lange, P Münster
1Medizinische Intensivstation, Medizinische Klinik I, Städtischen Kliniken Offenbach.
Deutsche Medizinische Wochenschrift (1946)
|February 21, 1997
Summary
Prompt medical intervention is crucial for severe chloroquine poisoning. Early intubation and intravenous diazepam administration can prevent fatal respiratory failure in overdose cases.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Emergency Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- A 50-year-old woman ingested a significant dose of chloroquine phosphate (3.75 g) with suicidal intent.
- The patient had no prior psychiatric history.
Observation:
- Upon physician examination two hours post-ingestion, the patient was deeply comatose and experienced a grand mal seizure.
- Emergency measures included nasotracheal intubation and intravenous diazepam (60 mg bolus) administration.
Findings:
- Hospitalization involved gastric lavage and continued intravenous diazepam therapy for 45 hours.
- The patient recovered without cardiac or neurological complications and was discharged from the ICU on day five.
Implications:
- Immediate intubation is a critical first step in managing chloroquine poisoning.
- Intravenous diazepam (1 mg/kg) is a specific antidote that can be safely administered post-intubation, mitigating the risk of respiratory depression.