[Serious effects of chloroquine overdose. Prescribe the smallest possible dosage-packages and inform about the risks].
An increasing number of acute overdoses with chloroquine has been reported in Sweden--some with fatal outcome. This substance is clearly one of the most toxic pharmaceuticals on the Swedish market. Four cases are described. Travelling to the tropics has become very popular, and chloroquine is often given as a prophylactic antimalarial. This inexpensive drug is often prescribed in 100-tablet packages, and any surplus is often stored in the home. Awareness of toxicity is low among users and doctors in this country. Preventive measures are suggested.
Personne
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Giftinformationscentralen, Uppsala universitet.
Rombo
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L
Sandler
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H
Wegener
T
T
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000962:Antimalarials / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000506:poisoning*; D002648:Child; D002738:Chloroquine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000506:poisoning*; D004346:Drug Information Services; D062787:Drug Overdose; D011307:Drug Prescriptions; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005554:Forensic Medicine / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D012307:Risk Factors; D013405:Suicide; D013548:Sweden
D000962:Antimalarials; D002738:Chloroquine