ABSTRACT
We present a fatal case involving the combined ingestion of amphetamine, 3,4-methylenedioxymethylamphetamine, 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine, and paramethoxyamphetamine. Various postmortem specimens (e.g., several blood samples, urine, and tissue samples) were analyzed to study the distribution of the compounds and their metabolites in the human body. Quantitation took place using liquid chromatography-sonic spray ionization-mass spectrometry after pretreatment with a liquid-liquid extraction. The medico-legal findings were compatible with a disseminated intravascular coagulation induced by hyperthermia caused by the simultaneous intake of the amphetamine analogues.
Subject(s)
3,4-Methylenedioxyamphetamine/analogs & derivatives , Amphetamine/poisoning , Designer Drugs/poisoning , N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine/poisoning , 3,4-Methylenedioxyamphetamine/pharmacokinetics , 3,4-Methylenedioxyamphetamine/poisoning , Adult , Amphetamine/pharmacokinetics , Amphetamines , Autopsy , Chromatography, Liquid/methods , Drug Interactions , Fatal Outcome , Humans , Male , N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine/pharmacokinetics , Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization/methods , Tissue DistributionABSTRACT
We present an unusual murder case by use of repeated administration of organophosphate insecticides. A 49-year-old woman suffering from mental retardation, epileptic fits and acromegaly was poisoned by her husband. At first, her death was considered as a 'sudden and unexpected' natural death. Abdominal abscesses of pancreatic origin found at autopsy were compatible with repeated administration of pesticides with anticholinergic action. In her medical history at least one episode consistent with an organophosphate intoxication was retrieved. Thorough inquiry revealed that the victim had ingested phosphamidon and/or omethoate orally. Organophosphate intoxication should be considered when unexplained neurological symptoms are associated with pancreatic disturbances.
ABSTRACT
We present a case history involving one fatal and seven survived cases of intoxication with 4-methylthioamphetamine (4-MTA), also called para-methylthioamphetamine (p-MTA) or methylthioamphetamine (MTA), a relatively new amphetamine analogue. Two of the seven survivors required a 24-h-period of observation in hospital. This report proves once again that the new amphetamine designer drugs are not without danger, as is thought by many young people. In addition, individually different subjective reactions are described. Finally, the medico-legal implications of new, as yet unregistered drugs are discussed.
Subject(s)
Amphetamines/poisoning , Designer Drugs/poisoning , Neurotransmitter Uptake Inhibitors/poisoning , Adolescent , Adult , Amphetamines/metabolism , Designer Drugs/metabolism , Fatal Outcome , Female , Humans , Male , Neurotransmitter Uptake Inhibitors/metabolism , Poisoning/blood , Poisoning/urine , Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors/poisoningABSTRACT
In vitro studies were carried out in order to determine the adsorption of tilidine HCl, a narcotic analgesic, by activated charcoal (max. adsorption capacity 185.5 mg/g of charcoal). The path of the adsorption isotherms at pH 1.2 and 7.5 suggests that the in vivo adsorption of tilidine HCl may be increased when the drug passes from the stomach to the intestine, unless the intestinal content exerts a displacing effect. Nevertheless, the adsorption was dependent on the quantity of activated charcoal used, becoming more complete when the quantity of activated charcoal was increased. The effects of additives on the adsorption capacity of activated charcoal were also investigated in vitro. Ethanol, sorbitol and sucrose significantly reduced drug adsorption, while cacao powder, milk and starch had no effect on tilidine adsorption. At an acid pH, Federa Activated Charcoal significantly adsorbed more drug than either Norit A or Activated Charcoal Merck.
