Brief Review of Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine Toxicity and Management

Brief Review of Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine Toxicity and Management

Jacob A. Lebin, Kathy T. LeSaint

As of April 21, 2020, more than 2.5 million cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, have been reported in 210 countries and territories, with the death toll at 171,810. Both chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine have gained considerable media attention as possible therapies, resulting in a significant surge in demand. In overdose, both medications can cause severe, potentially life-threatening effects. Here, we present a brief overview of the pharmacology of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine, manifestations of toxicity, and treatment considerations.

2020

10.5811/westjem.2020.5.47810

Western Journal of Emergency Medicine

eScholarship Publishing, University of California

Medicine, Medical emergencies. Critical care. Intensive care. First aid