Massive hydroxychloroquine overdose

Abstract

We report a case presenting with massive overdose of hydroxychloroquine who survived without any sequelae. A 17-year-old girl presented to the Emergency Department 45 min after the ingestion of 22 g of hydroxychloroquine in a suicide attempt. We believe this is highest dose yet reported in the medical literature. The patient developed hypotension, life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias and mild hypokalemia. She was managed with saline infusion and dopamine for hypotension, gastric lavage and activated charcoal for decontamination, lidocain, magnesium sulfate and defibrillation for pulseless ventricular tachycardia. Potassium replacement and bicarbonate administration were performed. Quick treatment of hypotension, gastric decontamination, continuous long-term cardiac monitoring, and treatment of arrhythmias are the cornerstones of hydroxychloroquine overdose management.