Abstract

A fatality following ingestion of the tricyclic antidepressant imipramine (Novopramine), acetaminophen, and ethyl alcohol is described. Imipramine, desipramine, acetaminophen, and 2-hydroxyimipramine were quantitated by high performance liquid chromatography, and ethyl alcohol by gas liquid chromatography. Concentrations of imipramine, desipramine, 2-hydroxyimipramine, and acetaminophen were: in blood--9.0, 1.1, 3.9, and 11 mg/L; in urine--92, 14, and 42 mg/L (acetaminophen not quantitated in urine). Ethyl alcohol concentration in blood was less than 10 mg/dL and 105 mg/dL in the urine by headspace gas chromatography. These findings are compared to previous reports of imipramine-related fatalities. To our knowledge, this is the first fatality reported involving imipramine where analysis included quantitation of 2-hydroxyimipramine in blood and urine.

Authors

Fraser AD, Susnik E, Isner AF

Source

Journal of forensic sciences 32:2 1987 Mar pg 543-9

MeSH

Acetaminophen
Adult
Alcoholic Intoxication
Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic
Desipramine
Female
Humans
Imipramine

Pub Type(s)

Case Reports
Journal Article

Language

eng

PubMed ID

3572345