What is 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== [[Symptom]]s 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]] ([[Lichen planus|lichenoid]] [[photosensitivity]])<ref>{{ cite journal | author = Dawson, T. A. | title = Side effect of quinine for nocturnal cramps | journal = British Medical Journal | year = 1995 | volume = 310 | issue = 6981 | pages = 738 | doi = 10.1136/bmj.310.6981.738a | pmid = 7711556 | pmc = 2549119 }}</ref> * [[Balance disorder|vertigo]] * [[dizziness]] * [[dysphoria]] * [[nausea]] * [[vomit|vomiting]] * [[diarrhea]]. Large doses of quinine can cause: * skin rashes * [[deafness]] * [[somnolence|sleepiness]] * [[blindness]] * [[Anaphylaxis|anaphylactic shock]] * disturbances in [[cardiac arrhythmia|abnormal heart rhythm]] * death from [[cardiotoxicity]]. People treated with quinine may also suffer from [[hypoglycemia|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 Most symptoms of cinchonism (except in severe cases) are reversible and disappear once quinine is withdrawn.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== {{reflist}} [[Category:Poisons]] [[Category:Health problems]]