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Quinine poisoning is rare but serious. Attempts at treatment by active removal have proved unsuccessful because of its high degree of protein binding. We describe two cases of non-accidental overdose of quinine (19.5 g and 15 g) with potentially fatal serum quinine levels. Both patients were treated by 2 periods of charcoal haemoperfusion during which quinine clearances of up to 125 ml/min were obtained. Both patients recovered, though one had some residual visual disturbance. We suggest that in cases of quinine poisoning, charcoal haemoperfusion may be a safe and effective method of drug removal, to be used with stellate ganglion block. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A 66-year-old Englishman developed a gastrocolic fistula as a result of peptic ulceration. Treatment with cimetidine prompted unexplained closure of the fistula. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]