Cinchomism Associated with Quinidine or Quinine Therapy

An affected patient will have a history of chronic exposure to quinidine and/or quinine.

Clinical findings:

(1) headache

(2) fever

(3) mydriasis (dilated pupils)

(4) defects in visual field, impaired visual acuity, vision loss, amblyopia

(5) tinnitus

(6) hearing loss

(7) organic brain syndrome (memory impairment, delirium, coma, convulsions)

(8) nausea and vomiting

(9) rash

(10) hot, flushed skin

(11) cardiorespiratory arrest

Serum levels may be within the therapeutic range or toxic.

Signs and symptoms often resolve on discontinuation of the Cinchona alkaloid.