[Acral necroses after therapy with quinine sulfate for calf cramps].

The most common cause of acral cyanosis is vascular spasm which can be induced by several drugs. An 87-year-old woman developed red and livid skin lesions on the fingers of both hands and several toes one month after beginning treatment with quinine sulfate 200 mg daily. The skin lesions progressed to necrosis in some areas. Quinine sulfate is a widely prescribed drug for nocturnal cramps. The following side effects may develop, particularly in the elderly: exanthems, pruritus, urticaria, erythema multiforme, purpura and photosensitivity. Our case points to the possibility of acral necrosis and demonstrates the efficacy of vasodilator treatment.