Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: Background: Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is commonly used to treat various rheumatological conditions, but its overdose can lead to severe toxicity with life-threatening complications. Prompt recognition and management of HCQ poisoning are essential to prevent fatal outcomes. Case Presentation: We report a 47-year-old man who ingested 100 HCQ tablets in a suicide attempt. On arrival at the emergency department, he presented with tonic-clonic seizures, severe hypotension (BP 60/45 mmHg), respiratory distress, and hypokalemia (K 2.4 mEq/L). Arterial blood gas analysis showed respiratory acidosis (pH 7.22, PaCO2 55 mmHg). Electrocardiography revealed ST depression, T-wave inversion, and prolonged QRS complex. The patient was managed with activated charcoal, mechanical ventilation, diazepam for seizure control, potassium chloride supplementation, epinephrine for hemodynamic support, and sodium bicarbonate for QRS widening. He was stabilized after four days in the intensive care unit. Conclusion: This case highlights the severe and potentially life-threatening complications of HCQ overdose, including neurological, cardiovascular, and metabolic disturbances. Early aggressive supportive care and specific therapies can lead to successful outcomes
Subfield: Emergency Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7208838017