A case of suicidal poisoning with paraphenylenediamine (PPD) is reported. The patient presented with typical features of severe oropharyngeal oedema and rhabdomyolysis. He suffered sudden cardiac death within 4 hours of admission despite full supportive treatment. The diagnosis was only established after his death. Systemic poisoning with paraphenylenediamine (PPD) is rare in western countries, and therefore a high degree of awareness and circumstantial evidence is required to make an early diagnosis. The classical and other less commonly reported features of this poisoning are discussed. There is no specific antidote available but some guidelines for management of such a case are reviewed.