Cinchonism

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Cinchonism is an umbrella term for a constellation of different symptoms that are associated with poisoning with quinine (or a quinine derivative). The name comes from the Latin name Cinchona of the cinchona trees .

causes

Taking quinine, for example as part of a malaria prophylaxis or therapy and treatment of lupus erythematosus, or even through (un) intentional ingestion of the active ingredient leads to cinchonism in the appropriate dosage. Quinine is also found as a bitter substance in some soft drinks (e.g. tonic water ), although sufficient quantities are rarely consumed to cause relevant complaints.

description

Symptoms will vary depending on the extent of the quinine overdose. Mild complaints include sweating, rashes , flush symptoms, photosensitivity , visual and hearing impairments (high-pitched hearing loss), tinnitus , headache and abdominal pain, dizziness, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. In the case of more severe poisoning, more serious complaints such as hypoglycaemia , hypotension , reduced vigilance , temporary blindness or (sometimes irreversible) visual field restrictions , cardiac arrhythmias , toxic cardiomyopathy and respiratory paralysis can occur.

The side effects are based on an inhibition of mitochondrial respiration and a blockage of the synthesis of DNA . The lethal dose for an adult human is around five to ten grams of quinine. Death occurs from central respiratory paralysis .

treatment

The triggering substance must be discontinued until the symptoms cease. Individual complaints may require more specific symptomatic therapy.

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ Entry on quinine. In: Römpp Online . Georg Thieme Verlag, accessed on May 25, 2014.
  2. ↑ Virchow: About the effect of quinine on the respiratory metabolism of humans In: Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Archives of Pharmacology , Heidelberg 1927 doi: 10.1007 / BF01863946

literature