Brief Review of Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine Toxicity and Management
Jacob Lesbin, Kathy T. LeSaint
Abstract
As of April 21, 2020, more than 2.5 million cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, have been reported in 210 countries and territories, with the death toll at 171,810. Both chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine have gained considerable media attention as possible therapies, resulting in a significant surge in demand. In overdose, both medications can cause severe, potentially life-threatening effects. Here, we present a brief overview of the pharmacology of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine, manifestations of toxicity, and treatment considerations.
Topics & Concepts
HydroxychloroquineChloroquineMedicineCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)Death tollToxicitySevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)2019-20 coronavirus outbreakCoronavirusIntensive care medicinePharmacologyDiseaseVirologyMalariaInternal medicineImmunologyInfectious disease (medical specialty)Environmental healthOutbreakDrug-Induced Ocular ToxicityDrug-Induced Hepatotoxicity and ProtectionPlant-based Medicinal Research