Reactions 689 - 21 Feb 1998

Concerns over safety of quinineThe frequent prescribing of quinine for leg cramps

‘could be very much reduced’ in view of the toxicity ofthe agent in overdose, say Dr AP Hall and colleaguesfrom the UK.

Acute quinine intoxication can lead to blindness,arrhythmias and acute renal failure with a single dose >4g, according to Dr Hall and colleagues, and death canoccur with a dose as little as 8g. They also question theefficacy of quinine in improving leg cramps, stating thatnaftidrofuryl may be an effective alternative.

In the opinion of Dr Hall and colleagues, patientsshould be better informed about the toxicity of quininein overdose and a clear warning should be included onlabelling of the agent.Hall AP, et al. Quinine for leg cramp: time to call a halt? Journal of the RoyalSociety of Medicine 91: 59-60, Jan 1998 800639784

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Reactions 21 Feb 1998 No. 6890114-9954/10/0689-0001/$14.95 Adis © 2010 Springer International Publishing AG. All rights reserved