Cinchonism

Cinchonism or quinism is poisoning from an overdose of cinchona alkaloids. Cinchona bark is the source of quinine and quindine. Quinine is used to treat malaria. In small amounts it is used in tonic water to give a bitter flavor. Cinchoism can be caused by medical doses of quinine or quindine.

Signs and symptoms
Symptoms of mild cinchonism can include:
 flushed and sweaty skin
 ringing of the ears (tinnitus)
 blurred vision
 hearing loss
 confusion
 reversible high-frequency hearing loss
 headache
 abdominal pain
 rashes
 drug-induced lichenoid reaction (lichenoid photosensitivity) 
 vertigo
 dizziness
 dysphoria
 nausea
 vomiting
 diarrhea.

Large doses of quinine can cause: 
 skin rashes
 deafness
 sleepiness
 blindness
 anaphylactic shock
 disturbances in abnormal heart rhythm
 death from cardiotoxicity. 

People treated with quinine may also suffer from low blood sugar and hypotension (low blood pressure).

Most symptoms of cinchonism (except in severe cases) are reversible and disappear once quinine is withdrawn.

References

Category:Poisons
Category:Health problems