title: Quinine--acute self-poisoning and ocular toxicity.
abstract: Quinine is widely prescribed as a treatment for nocturnal leg cramps. In acute overdosage, it may lead to significant ocular problems. This study reveals that some 30 patients were discharged from Greater Glasgow Health Board hospitals between 1988 and 1992 following acute self-poisoning with quinine. Six of these subjects had severe visual problems, two being registered as blind and another three as partially sighted. These observations, combined with the doubtful clinical efficacy of quinine, suggest that its continued widespread use should be reappraised.
authors.affiliation: Prescribing Advisers' Department, Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Mackie
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Davidson
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Clarke
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D062787:Drug Overdose / Q000453:epidemiology; D005128:Eye Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009125:Muscle Relaxants, Central / Q000506:poisoning* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011803:Quinine / Q000506:poisoning* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012042:Registries; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012494:Sampling Studies; D012606:Scotland / Q000453:epidemiology; D012651:Self Medication / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017678:Sex Distribution
chemical_list: D009125:Muscle Relaxants, Central; D011803:Quinine