Lipid emulsion treatment as an antidote for chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine toxicity

Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine, which have anti-malarial and anti-inflammatory effects, are used for treating malaria, rheumatoid arthritis, and systemic lupus erythematosus [1]. These drugs are quinine derivatives having similar cellular mechanisms behind their toxicities [1]. Because a toxic dose of chloroquine, which is a Vaughan –Williams Class IA antiarrhythmic, inhibits cardiac sodium, potassium, and calcium channels, it induces QT prolongation, QRS widening, and atrioventricular blockade, leading to hypotension and shock [2].
Source: The American Journal of Emergency Medicine - Category: Emergency Medicine Authors: Source Type: research